Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered a stark new warning to the West, declaring that Russia is prepared to engage in a full-scale war with European powers if provoked.
"Absolutely Unacceptable" Demands
The Russian leader made the combative remarks during a plenary session at the VTB Russia Calling Investment Forum in Moscow on Tuesday, 2 December 2025. He asserted that while he does not seek a military confrontation with Europe, his nation stands ready to fight should one be forced upon it.
Central to his rhetoric was a condemnation of European proposals for a potential peace settlement to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Putin branded these terms as "absolutely unacceptable" from Russia's perspective, framing them as a direct provocation.
A Stark Ultimatum to Kyiv
Embedded within his broader warning was a clear message for Ukraine. Putin reiterated that Russia will pursue its military objectives by force unless the government in Kyiv agrees to withdraw from contested regions. This statement reinforces the Kremlin's long-standing position that it will not relent in its campaign without significant concessions from Ukraine.
Diplomatic Moves Amid Rising Tensions
The tense atmosphere was underscored by concurrent diplomatic activity. Earlier on Tuesday, Steve Witkoff, the special envoy dispatched by US President Donald Trump, arrived in Moscow. His mission is to negotiate the parameters of a possible peace deal, highlighting the intense international efforts to find a resolution even as threats of wider conflict escalate.
Putin's latest comments mark a significant escalation in his rhetoric, directly challenging European nations and casting the Ukraine war as a potential flashpoint for a broader European conflict. The international community now watches closely to see if this posturing leads to further diplomatic isolation or renewed efforts at negotiation.
