Putin declares Russia is ready to go to war with Europe

"Russia has not intended and does not intend to fight Europe," Putin said, repeating the Kremlin’s usual narrative about Moscow’s "peaceful intentions."

However, immediately afterward, the Russian President effectively threatened European countries, stating that Russia is "ready right now" for war if Europe starts one.

According to Putin, "there can be no doubt" about Russia’s combat capability.

This statement comes amid Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and the increasingly frequent threats from the Kremlin toward EU and NATO countries. Commentators have noted that Putin’s words, as usual, combine contradictory messages about "not wanting to fight" with overt attempts to intimidate the West.

Putin and Russia’s relations with the European Union

Since 2022, official contacts between Vladimir Putin and EU leaders have all but ceased. Not surprisingly, the EU supports Ukraine politically, financially, and militarily, which contradicts the Kremlin’s position.

Moreover, Russia frequently accuses the EU of a "hostile policy" while simultaneously threatening Europe militarily. Putin regularly claims that Russia is ready to take forceful action if the EU "provokes" Moscow.

In response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the EU has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Russian banks, companies, oligarchs, and the energy sector. For example, in October, the European Union officially approved its 19th sanctions package against Russia.

As a result of these sanctions and a shortage of available fleet capacity, Russia cannot fully transport LNG, sharply reducing its export capabilities.

Additionally, the EU is preparing sanctions against Belarus due to attacks on Lithuania.