During a press conference in Moscow on 2/12, Russian President Vladimir Putin was asked about Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto's recent assertion that "Europe is preparing for war with Russia."

"We do not plan to wage war with Europe, but if Europe suddenly wants to start a war, we are always ready," Putin responded. He added, "The war will end so swiftly for Europe that Russia will have no one left to negotiate with."

Putin clarified that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is not an all-out war, describing Russia's actions as "microsurgery", a term for small-scale, precise attacks. He warned that Russia's combat methods would differ significantly in a direct confrontation with European powers.

He also accused European leaders of "sabotaging the Ukraine peace agreement" ahead of his meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking at the VTB "Russia Calling" Investment Forum in Moscow on 2/12, before meeting with the US envoy. *Reuters*.

"They have no peace agenda; they side with war," he stated, asserting that European leaders are obstructing US mediation efforts for peace talks in the Ukraine conflict.

President Putin argued that Europe's demands concerning the peace plan proposed by Trump "only serve one purpose: to completely halt the peace process and present demands Russia cannot accept."

Washington had unveiled a 28-point draft peace agreement to end the conflict. However, it was later revised and shortened following criticism from Kiev and Europe, who viewed its terms as favorable to Russia.

Former US President Donald Trump supported the plan to end the war. However, Europe expressed concerns that the proposal might compel Kiev to concede to numerous Russian demands, particularly concerning territory.

Kiev and European powers repeatedly warned that a Russian victory in Ukraine could prompt President Putin to attack a NATO member state. Moscow has consistently rejected these accusations.

US envoys are actively negotiating to finalize a peace plan acceptable to both Moscow and Kiev. On 2/12, President Putin met with envoys Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, for nearly 5 hours in the Kremlin. Despite extensive discussions, no territorial compromise was reached.

By Hong Hanh (AFP, Reuters)