Vladimir Putin: “The peoples of Europe do not want to fight against Russia. I would like us to be heard: neither do we want to.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated, in an interview broadcast by Russian television, that Russia is not preparing for a war with Europe and described European warnings about a possible confrontation with Moscow as “political schizophrenia.” The Kremlin leader also announced Russia’s willingness to resume trilateral negotiations with Ukraine and the United States in November.

“If we look at the political processes taking place in Europe, we will see that the peoples of Europe do not want to fight against Russia. I would like us to be heard: neither do we want (to fight against Europe),” Putin said.

Putin argued that the discussions should not seek only a temporary ceasefire, but also the establishment of security guarantees for Russia, Ukraine, and Europe. The statements were made after his meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff on October 21.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Kyiv is ready for negotiations and supports proposals for a ceasefire, including an energy truce. However, the main disagreements remain related to the occupied territories, with Moscow demanding the cession of the entire Donbas, a request rejected by Ukraine.