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Russian President Vladimir Putin said on December 2 that Moscow is prepared for a war with Europe "right now" if European states start one, making the comments moments before meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff.
"If Europe starts a war, we are ready now," the Russian president said.
Putin's comments came as Washington intensifies diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing negotiations to end Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.
The Russian president claimed that European governments are obstructing US President Donald Trump's efforts to reach a solution and "live under the illusion" that they are imposing a strategic defeat on Russia.
Putin also said that Europe "has no peace agenda" and "is on the side of war," citing military support for Ukraine and drafting peace proposals less favorable to Russia as evidence of hostility.
"When they supposedly try to make changes to Trump's proposals, all these changes aim at only one thing: to completely block the entire peace process," the Russian president added.
The remarks reflected Moscow's broader message as Russia expands hybrid pressure on Europe.
European states have recorded a surge in suspected Russia-linked activity in recent years, including cyberattacks, sabotage attempts and repeated damage to underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
The incidents intensified in early autumn, as unidentified drones and Russian aircraft repeatedly crossed or approached NATO airspace.
In September, Polish forces shot down several Russian drones that entered Polish territory. A few days later, a Russian drone violated Romanian airspace, although Bucharest did not take action.
On September 19, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland for 12 minutes, prompting Tallinn to activate consultations under NATO's Article 4.
Belgium also reported a series of drone incidents near critical infrastructure. Belgian authorities said three drones flew over the Doel nuclear power plant on November 9, while several unidentified drones were spotted near sensitive sites in the days that followed.
Putin's latest warning added pressure on European capitals, which were already concerned about Russia's growing willingness to test air defenses and target infrastructure across the continent.
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