Putin Signals Readiness for Talks and War

Russian President Vladimir Putin used a post-forum briefing in Moscow to outline Russia’s position toward Europe, the rising tensions in the Black Sea, and the fighting near Pokrovsk and Kupyansk before heading to the Kremlin for talks with American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Europe Has No Peace Agenda, Putin Says

According to Putin, Europe has aligned itself “on the side of war” and continues to promote proposals that Moscow considers unrealistic and deliberately obstructive to the peace process. He argued that EU governments chose isolation by adopting the notion of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia.

“They took wishful thinking for reality and still can’t admit it to themselves,” he said, adding that Europe could return to diplomacy only by recognizing the new realities on the ground.

The president stressed that Moscow does not seek a war with the European Union, but is “ready right now” should Europe “suddenly decide it wants one.” He also accused European leaders of cutting ties while simultaneously trying to hinder Washington’s efforts and the peace outline associated with President Donald Trump.

Black Sea Tensions and Threat of Radical Measures

Turning to the recent attacks on tankers, Putin said Russia is weighing a range of responses and is prepared to take severe steps if the incidents continue. The most extreme option, he noted, would be to block Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea entirely.

“In that case, it would be impossible to engage in piracy at all,” he said, expressing hope that Kyiv’s military and political leaders — and those who support them — will reconsider further attacks.

Pokrovsk, Kupyansk and the Frontline Situation

Addressing developments on the battlefield, Putin described Pokrovsk as a key operational hub shaped by its infrastructure and its strategic position. He emphasized that control over the city enables Russian forces to advance in any direction that the General Staff deems necessary.

Commenting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s claim that Kupyansk remains under Kyiv’s control, Putin said Ukrainian authorities are now “occupied with other matters” unrelated to conditions on the frontline. He invited foreign and Ukrainian reporters to visit both cities to see “who actually controls them.”

The fighting, he added, is now centered on Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, where about 650 structures are under Russian control. The president said he expects Russian troops to secure the settlement within days. On the left bank of the Oskol River, he reported that roughly 15 Ukrainian battalions have been encircled and that Russian forces have begun “their liquidation.”