Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered a chilling warning, stating he is prepared to go to war with Europe if it initiates conflict, casting a dark shadow over ongoing efforts to broker peace in Ukraine.
Putin's Stark Warning to the West
The Russian leader declared on Tuesday that while Moscow is not planning to start a war, it is fully prepared to respond. "We are not planning to go to war with Europe, but if Europe wants to and starts, we are ready right now," he stated, accusing European nations of being "on the side of war."
His outburst came just ahead of a scheduled meeting with Steve Witkoff, the envoy dispatched by US President Donald Trump. Putin criticised European demands in potential peace settlements for Ukraine, labelling them "absolutely unacceptable" to Russia, creating a significant new hurdle for diplomatic negotiations.
British Ex-Soldier Accused of Spying for Russian FSB
In a separate development, Ukrainian security services have named a British national detained on suspicion of espionage for Russia. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) identified the man as Ross David Cutmore, described as a former military instructor.
Reportedly a former British soldier from Scotland, Cutmore arrived in Ukraine in early 2024 to train Ukrainian forces. The SBU alleges that several months later, he contacted Russian intelligence services, specifically the Federal Security Service (FSB), seeking "easy money."
He is accused of passing sensitive military information to Russia, including the coordinates of training centres in southern Ukraine, and of plotting terrorist attacks. The SBU claims Russian services provided him with firearms and ammunition for "targeted killings." Cutmore was detained in October and faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted.
A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed: "We are providing consular assistance to a British man who is detained in Ukraine. We remain in close contact with the Ukrainian authorities."
Surge in Russian Attacks Amid Diplomacy
Despite the backdrop of peace talks, Russia dramatically escalated its missile and drone campaign against Ukraine in November. Kremlin forces launched a staggering 5,660 missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles throughout the month, a two per cent increase from October.
This intensified bombardment, which targeted Ukraine's energy grid for a fourth consecutive winter, plunged tens of thousands into darkness during freezing autumn temperatures. Analysts view the strategy as a calculated attempt to break civilian morale and wear down the population.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated the increased strikes were intended to "break Ukrainians," applying both psychological and physical pressure.
In response, Ukraine has struck back at Russian energy infrastructure, aiming to cripple the Kremlin's war funding. On Tuesday, drone strikes hit the Orelnefteproduct oil depot in Livny, Oryol, setting at least two terminals ablaze.
The diplomatic push continues, with US envoy Steve Witkoff meeting Putin in Moscow following talks in Florida with Ukrainian officials. President Zelensky described those discussions as "constructive" and expressed cautious hope, saying "now, more than ever, there is a chance to end this war" under a new 20-point peace plan.
