23.10.2026 01:01
Russian President Vladimir Putin sharply opposed European countries’ rhetoric toward Moscow. Criticizing Europe for saying on one hand that Russia poses a threat and on the other that it is preparing for a possible war, Putin stated that they are ready for a permanent agreement to end the war in Ukraine. He targeted Europe’s stance with the words “political schizophrenia.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that they are ready to conclude a peace agreement with Ukraine, criticized European countries for portraying Russia as a threat. Putin, expressing that in Europe, on the one hand, threats emanating from Russia are being voiced, and on the other hand, it is said that preparations are being made for a possible war with Russia, described this situation as “political schizophrenia.”
The Russian leader said they want a permanent peace agreement with Ukraine instead of a temporary ceasefire, and that after the agreement the security of both countries should be guaranteed.
“WE DO NOT WANT TO FIGHT WITH EUROPE”
In statements to Rossiya state television, Putin argued that the peoples of Europe do not want to fight with Russia. The Russian leader, stating that Moscow is also not preparing for a conflict with Europe, said, “I want them to hear us. We do not want to fight either. We are not preparing for any war with Europe.”
Putin criticized the Ukrainian government for continuing to receive financial support, weapons, and ammunition from Western countries, claiming that the Kyiv government wants to continue the war.
Also targeting the military conscription practice in Ukraine, Putin claimed that citizens are being forcibly taken from the streets and sent to the front. He argued that this situation negatively affects soldiers' motivation.
“WE ARE READY FOR AN AGREEMENT WITH UKRAINE”
Putin also addressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statements that he is ready to accept territorial loss, arguing that regions under Russia's control are not Ukrainian territory.
Putin, claiming that people living in the said regions voted in favor of independence and unification with Russia, said that for this reason it is not correct to describe what happened as “territorial loss.” This statement once again revealed Moscow's position on Ukrainian territory.
Putin, claiming that Russia has been in favor of peace since the start of the crisis in Ukraine in 2014, alleged that the Kyiv government chose war instead of reconciling with the peoples in the east.
Putin, saying, “We are ready to reach an agreement today as well,” stated that reconciliation could be achieved between the two countries and argued that Russians and Ukrainians are closely related peoples. He also added that the war, which Russia calls a “special military operation,” will achieve its goals.
TRILATERAL CONTACT MESSAGE AFTER WITKOFF MEETING
Putin also spoke about his meeting with Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, in St. Petersburg. The Russian leader said that at the meeting, agreement was reached on restarting trilateral contacts.
According to Putin, the negotiations that could restart will address how the security of both Russia and Ukraine will be ensured after a possible peace agreement. The Russian leader emphasized that this should not be limited to a temporary ceasefire and must be based on a final peace agreement.
Putin, stating that Europe's security architecture should also be addressed in the talks, expressed that he agreed with Witkoff's approach on this issue.
Russia's statements raise the possibility of restarting diplomatic contacts aimed at ending the Ukraine war, while also showing that security and territorial disputes between Moscow and European countries continue.