Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to European powers, declaring that while Moscow does not seek conflict, it is prepared to fight 'ready right now' if Europe chooses war. The comments, made on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025, escalate already fraught tensions over the future of Ukraine.
Unacceptable Demands and Accusations
Putin's declaration came alongside a firm rejection of European proposals for a peace settlement in Ukraine. He stated that the demands being made by European powers are 'absolutely unacceptable' to the Kremlin. The Russian leader has previously accused Europe of hindering American-led peace efforts, claiming it lacks a 'peaceful agenda'.
This rhetoric follows a pattern of heightened warnings. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously alleged that Putin is plotting a 'big war' in Europe, potentially as early as 2029 or 2030. Despite NATO's strategy of sanctions and military aid to Ukraine, Zelensky argues these measures have so far failed to stop the Russian president, creating a pressing need to 'tackle this big challenge'.
European Preparations and Russian Denials
The atmosphere of mutual distrust was further illustrated days before Putin's latest remarks. Following France's announcement of renewed conscription efforts, President Emmanuel Macron defended the policy, stating, 'The only way to avoid danger is to prepare for it,' citing growing fears of a conflict with Russia. Putin, however, was quick to claim he had 'no plans to attack Europe'.
The tangible consequences of the diplomatic deadlock were brutally demonstrated last week. Russia rejected Europe's 28-point peace proposal to end the war in Ukraine, an act accompanied by a fresh aerial strike that killed four people.
Who Could Be Next? Expert Projections of Expansion
The critical question now facing analysts is what Putin's next move might be. A recent projection, created with the help of United24 and released on the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, outlines a potential timeline for Russian expansion.
The projection suggests a concerning sequence of events:
- Starting from May 2025, Russia could move to capture Moldova.
- This operation might be facilitated through the puppet government in Transnistria, potentially using North Korean soldiers provided by Kim Jong-un.
- The timeline speculatively concludes with a new 'special military operation' against NATO by September 2030.
These concerns echo warnings from President Zelensky, who has identified Moldova, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia as potential future targets for the Kremlin after Ukraine. The future security of Ukraine and the wider European continent remains a complex and urgent conundrum for Western leaders.
