Ian Collins speaks with TriStar Daily Publisher Steve Gill about Russia’s relations with Europe.

Russia’s Vladimir Putin said Moscow is “ready” for a war with Europe if provoked, accusing European leaders of sabotaging US-led peace efforts in Ukraine. He claimed Europe’s demands for a settlement were “absolutely unacceptable” and designed to block President Donald Trump’s push for a deal. Putin spoke at the Russia Calling forum in Moscow ahead of talks with Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The meeting ran nearly five hours but produced no breakthrough. The US and Russia previously agreed on a 28-point plan that would force Ukraine to give up territory and abandon NATO goals – a proposal widely condemned in Europe. Ukraine has since offered a revised 20-point plan. Russian officials said talks were “productive,” but admitted both sides remain far apart, especially on territorial issues.