Moscow, 3 December (H.S.): Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia is “ready” for a military clash if European states choose war, accusing European leaders of trying to derail a proposed US‑brokered peace deal for Ukraine on the eve of high‑stakes talks with American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Putin said Russia does not intend to fight Europe but declared that “if Europe wants to and starts, we are ready right now,” casting European governments as being “on the side of war” rather than pursuing a genuine diplomatic solution.

Dispute Over Trump’s 28‑Point Peace Draft

Putin’s remarks came as Witkoff and Kushner arrived at the Kremlin to discuss a revised US peace framework built around a leaked 28‑point draft strongly associated with President Donald Trump.

The original version, which envisaged permanent neutrality for Ukraine, strict limits on its armed forces and de facto recognition of Russian control over occupied territories, drew sharp criticism in Kyiv and across Europe for conceding too much to Moscow’s maximalist demands.

European capitals have since circulated a counter‑proposal that narrows territorial concessions and strengthens long‑term security guarantees for Ukraine, changes that Putin claims are designed “solely” to block the peace process and impose terms Russia cannot accept.

Fears Of ‘Unjust Peace’ For UkraineEuropean leaders insist they support negotiations but warn that any settlement must not force Ukraine into capitulation or reward Russian aggression, stressing that a durable peace requires full respect for Ukrainian sovereignty and the avoidance of a precedent that could threaten NATO states in the future.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed some revisions to the US plan but continues to reject permanent neutrality and the loss of additional territory, arguing that Russia should not be “paid” for launching the invasion.

With the Kremlin talks lasting several hours and no breakthrough announced, Putin’s combative warning underscores how fragile the diplomatic track remains even as Washington and Moscow publicly pursue a negotiated end to the nearly four‑year‑old war.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar