Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled Western warnings of conflict with Moscow as “hysteria” and “a lie” during a December 17, 2025, Defense Ministry meeting, while threatening military action to seize claimed Ukrainian territories if peace talks collapse. The remarks coincide with an EU summit deliberating the use of €210 billion ($246 billion) in frozen Russian central bank assets to support Ukraine’s defense and economy through its fourth war winter. Putin asserted Russia has “freed” 300 areas in the past year and will “certainly” achieve its goals, preferring diplomacy but ready for force.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged leaders: “We must decide to fund Ukraine for the next two years,” amid divisions—not all 27 members favor asset seizures due to legal and reprisal risks from Moscow.
Putin’s Key Statements
Putin dismissed European indoctrination with “fears of inevitable clash with Russia,” calling preparations for major war “pure nonsense” and accusing leaders of deliberate escalation: “Europe’s little pigs joined the previous US administration, hoping to profit from our collapse.” He blamed Joe Biden for steering toward armed conflict.
On Ukraine: “Goals of the special military operation will certainly be achieved… We prefer diplomacy to eliminate root causes, but will liberate historical lands by military means if Ukraine and its masters abandon dialogue.” Russia awaits US-Ukraine talks outcomes, refusing territorial concessions.
Earlier warnings: Russia “ready right now” if Europe starts war; foreign peacekeepers would be targets.
EU Asset Debate and Divisions
EU holds €210 billion in Russian assets, eyeing use for Ukraine amid stalled talks. Von der Leyen pushed funding commitment at the summit, but concerns persist over legality and Russian retaliation.
Not all members agree; some fear reprisals. Context: Kremlin demands recognition of annexed regions as precondition.
Battlefield Updates
Ukraine claims 90% control of Kupiansk (Kharkiv), retaken by Russia in November. Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov: Ukrainian advances failing.
Putin: 300 areas freed in past year, extending “security buffer zone.”
Western and NATO Reactions
UK armed forces head: Russia real threat; prepare “sons and daughters.” NATO’s Mark Rutte: Possible attack on member in 5 years, echoing Danish intel (3-5 years).
Latvian intel (Feb 2025): Russia builds sabotage for NATO confrontation. Italy’s Meloni criticized Russia in talks.
Analysts: Putin prepares Europe conflict amid hybrid attacks (drones closing airports, airspace violations).
Strategic Context
Putin’s rhetoric follows US-Ukraine talks; Moscow inflexible on land. EU summit tests unity as winter aid critical. Warnings blend denial (“no plans for Europe war”) with readiness (“if they start, no one left to negotiate”).
Hybrid escalation: Drones, sabotage signal probes. Kremlin awaits Washington response post-talks.
Implications Amid Escalation
Immediate: EU asset decision pressures Russia; Putin’s threat tests diplomacy. Mid-term: NATO bolsters amid 3-5 year timelines. Long-term: Frozen assets, territorial claims deadlock peace.
Inverted pyramid leads with Putin’s “hysteria” slam and EU €210B plans, then 300 areas/90% Kupiansk claims, statements and reactions. As summit unfolds, West’s preparations clash with Moscow’s dual track diplomacy or force.
