Speaking after the plenary session of the VTB "Russia Calling!" Investment Forum in Moscow, Putin claimed that European governments lack a "peaceful agenda," are firmly "on the side of war," and are pushing demands regarding Ukraine that are completely unacceptable to Russia.
"We're not planning to go to war with Europe, I've said that a hundred times," Putin declared. "But if Europe suddenly wants to fight us and starts, we're ready right now. There can be no doubt about that."
He issued a further warning: "If Europe suddenly wants to start a war with us and does, then a situation could very quickly arise in which we have no one to negotiate with."
Putin accused European nations of actively hindering the incoming U.S. administration and President Donald Trump in their efforts to reach a peace agreement through direct talks. He described proposed European amendments to the U.S. peace plan as attempts to block the entire process.
On the battlefield, Putin claimed that Russian forces have now taken full control of the strategically important city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, calling it a vital logistics hub. Ukrainian military officials immediately rejected the assertion, stating that fighting continues in parts of the city and describing the Russian announcement as propaganda timed to influence the negotiations.
Putin also labeled recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea as "piracy" and vowed that Moscow would expand strikes on Ukrainian ports and any ships entering them in response.
Meanwhile, in Dublin, Zelenskyy told reporters alongside Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin that he was ready to meet U.S. President Donald Trump again, but that everything would depend on the outcome of the ongoing talks in Moscow between Trump’s negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and Putin. Zelenskyy described the current moment as "one of the most challenging but optimistic" since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
"The chances of ending the conflict are better now than ever," he said, praising the United States for taking "serious steps to end this war one way or another." However, he cautioned that there would be "no easy decisions" and insisted there must be "no games behind Ukraine’s back." Zelenskyy stressed the need for a "decent, dignified peace" and acknowledged that several critical issues, particularly regarding territory, frozen Russian assets, and long-term security guarantees, still required resolution.
The Ukrainian leader’s visit marked the first official trip by a Ukrainian president to Ireland. He received a standing ovation when addressing the Irish parliament, where he drew parallels between Ukraine’s fight for independence and Ireland’s historical struggle against colonial rule. Prime Minister Martin reaffirmed Ireland’s support for a just peace and its commitment to providing non-lethal aid and assistance with post-war reconstruction.
Zelenskyy’s European tour, which included a stop in Paris the previous day, is aimed at ensuring strong EU involvement in any eventual agreement and countering what he called Russian disinformation designed to manipulate the diplomatic process.
Back in Moscow, the closed-door meeting between Putin and the American delegation lasted nearly five hours. Russian officials described the talks as "constructive" but emphasized that significant work remains, particularly on territorial questions. No immediate breakthroughs were announced.
The contrasting tones from Moscow and Dublin underscore the precarious balance of the peace process. Putin’s combative posture risks complicating Trump’s stated goal of quickly ending the war, while Zelenskyy’s measured optimism reflects both hope in renewed U.S. engagement and deep concern over potential concessions that could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.
As winter tightens its grip on the front lines and both sides continue to suffer heavy casualties, the outcome of the Moscow discussions in the coming hours and days will likely determine whether the conflict moves toward genuine negotiation or slips further into prolonged confrontation.
