Kumar Bahukhandi
Russian President Vladimir Putin in a file photograph.
Russian President criticises European warnings of war and signals readiness to resume trilateral negotiations following talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff
Key Highlights
- Putin says Moscow is ready to resume trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
- He accuses European leaders of fuelling fears of a war with Russia.
- The Russian President describes Ukraine as a “brotherly nation”.
- His remarks follow a meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg.
Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin says Europe cannot inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, while confirming Moscow’s readiness to resume trilateral negotiations on Ukraine. Speaking to a Vesti journalist on Thursday, October 22, Putin criticised European warnings about a potential conflict with Russia and described Ukraine as a “brotherly nation”, according to TASS, as cited in an ANI report.
Putin Challenges European Position
Putin accused European leaders of repeatedly invoking the prospect of war with Russia, describing their rhetoric as “political schizophrenia”.
He argued that attempts to defeat Russia would fail and suggested that European countries would benefit from pursuing friendly relations with Moscow. The remarks reflected his criticism of European assessments of the threat posed by Russia.
“It is obvious that nations of Europe do not want to go to war with Russia, and we do not want to go to war with them,” Putin said.
Moscow Signals Readiness for Negotiations
Putin’s comments came a day after US special envoy Steve Witkoff met him in St Petersburg on Wednesday, October 21, for discussions on efforts to resolve the Ukraine war.
The Russian President confirmed readiness to resume US-mediated negotiations with Ukraine next month. He said future discussions should address security guarantees for both Russia and Ukraine, alongside a broader framework for European security.
Security Framework Remains a Focus
Putin maintained that negotiations should seek a lasting peace agreement rather than a temporary ceasefire. His willingness to return to talks signals an opening for further diplomacy, although it does not constitute an agreement on the terms of a settlement.
