Putin Issues Doomsday Warning To NATO As US-Russia Talks Advance

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered one of his most provocative speeches in recent months, sharply criticizing NATO and the European Union, warning that any war against Russia would be catastrophic and met with a“lightning-fast” and“destructive” response. His comments, delivered during a nationally televised address, come amid renewed tensions and fragile peace talks surrounding the war in Ukraine.

“Today, once again, we hear voices in the European Union and NATO calling for war against Russia,” Putin declared.“Their goal has never changed. Some of our so-called Western partners have always harbored hatred towards Russia-towards everything Russian. They dream of destroying or occupying our nation.”

Calling out what he labeled as Europe's long-standing Russophobia, Putin said,“Russia has never been an aggressor. Throughout our history, we have only defended ourselves. It is NATO and its allies who start wars; Russia ends them.”

He further warned,“Let it be clear: if any NATO country declares war on Russia, our reaction will be immediate, powerful, and devastating. We possess weapons no one else in the world does-you have no idea what we're capable of. This won't be another Ukraine.”

Addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Putin repeated Russia's official stance, calling it a“special military operation” rather than a war.“Ukraine is our historic land, and our people are there. We are saving them. This is not war-it is protection.”

In a chilling message, Putin invoked a Russian proverb:“A snake gives its deadliest bite before it dies,” adding,“We don't need a world without Russia. Unlike you, I know what a country and its people mean, and I will fight for them to the very end.”

He concluded with a final warning to NATO and EU leaders:“Do you truly wish to start another war with Russia? Then be prepared-it will be an apocalypse. I urge you, instead, to work for the good of the world, not for its destruction.”

Putin's aggressive rhetoric comes just days after a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, where both sides reportedly agreed to a limited, 30-day ceasefire focused on halting Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. However, the ceasefire does not cover broader military operations, and Russia has laid down strict conditions: Ukraine must freeze its military mobilization and Western allies must halt all arms supplies during the 30-day period.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed skepticism, welcoming any pause in attacks on civilians, but warning that Russia's conditions are a veiled attempt to gain strategic advantage. He reaffirmed that Ukraine will not accept any deal brokered between the US and Russia without Ukraine's full involvement.

Meanwhile, 26 of the 27 EU member states-excluding Hungary-have firmly rejected Putin's call to stop military aid to Ukraine. European leaders argue that any pause in support would leave Ukraine vulnerable to further aggression and send the wrong message to authoritarian regimes.

While Washington and Moscow inch toward a potential diplomatic opening, Europe remains wary. Analysts believe that while the US may be open to a phased de-escalation, European nations continue to view Russia as an existential threat. With winter ending and battlefield dynamics expected to shift, it remains to be seen whether peace talks will gain traction-or be overtaken by a new surge in conflict.

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