Today in Focus Is Putin about to go to war with Europe? – The Latest
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Dec 3, 2025 
In this discussion, Luke Harding, a seasoned foreign correspondent for The Guardian with extensive experience in Russia and Ukraine, delves into the current geopolitical tensions. He highlights the stalled US–Russia peace talks and Putin’s provocative claims of being ‘ready for war’ with Europe. Harding elaborates on Kremlin propaganda strategies aimed at dividing NATO and discusses the dwindling US support, which could escalate Russian aggression. He also paints a vivid picture of daily life in Kyiv amid ongoing violence, underlining the human toll of the conflict.
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Kyiv Nights Under Frequent Attack
- Luke Harding describes Kyiv nights of missile attacks, explosions and the rattle of air-defence machine guns.
- He reports a grinding Russian front line with daily attacks and no conclusive Russian victory.
Peace Talks Mask A War Of Conquest
- The Moscow-led talks are not a genuine peace process because Russia seeks to continue the war and believes it is winning.
- Luke Harding says Russian aims remain the removal of Ukraine's pro-Western government and folding Ukraine into a greater Russian empire.
Victim Narrative Aims To Split Allies
- Putin's televised rhetoric aims to cast Russia as victim and to drive a wedge between the US and Europe.
- Harding says the tactic seeks to exploit Ukrainian scandals and stall punitive measures like secondary sanctions on China and India.