Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on Tuesday that his country is "ready right now" for a war with Europe, accusing European nations of sabotaging a U.S.-led peace process for Ukraine. The hawkish remarks coincided with the arrival in Moscow of a U.S. delegation, featuring President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, for closed-door negotiations.

This escalation raises the stakes in a conflict that has already strained the global economy, directly impacting Kenyan households through volatile fuel and food prices. Putin's aggressive posture appears timed to pressure negotiators, as he alleged that European amendments to a U.S. peace plan were "not acceptable to Russia" and that Europe is "on the side of war."

Zelenskyy Watches from Afar

Responding from Dublin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism about the U.S. involvement but voiced fears that American interest could wane. "If somebody from our allies is tired, I’m afraid," he noted, suggesting Russia's goal is to divert America's focus. Zelenskyy stated he was "awaiting signals" from the U.S. delegation following their lengthy meeting at the Kremlin and emphasized his reliance on "pressure from the US" to advance the talks.

The high-stakes diplomacy is unfolding against a backdrop of continued hostilities and espionage, highlighting the deep mistrust between the warring sides.

Shadow War Intensifies

In a stark reminder of the conflict's covert dimensions, Ukrainian authorities announced the arrest of a British military instructor, Ross David Cutmore, 40, from Dunfermline. He is accused of being recruited by Russia's FSB intelligence service to spy and carry out assassinations in Ukraine between 2024 and 2025. Prosecutors in Kyiv alleged that in May 2025, Cutmore passed coordinates of Ukrainian military units and other sensitive information to his handlers.

As the marathon talks in Moscow concluded after nearly five hours, a Kremlin aide described them as "useful" and "constructive," though it was unclear if any concrete progress was made. The world now watches to see if these diplomatic efforts can de-escalate the rising tensions or if Putin's heated rhetoric will plunge the continent deeper into conflict.