Newscast Is Russia Really Ready For War With Europe?
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Dec 3, 2025 
Join Europe editor Katya Adler, who analyzes EU politics and diplomacy, and The Economist's defense editor Shashank Joshi, as they explore Russia's alarming assertion of readiness for war with Europe. They dissect Putin's strategic messages, highlighting Russia's preference for battlefield gains over negotiations. BBC Economics Editor Faisal Islam sheds light on the UK government's moves towards a new European defense fund and potential closer ties with the EU, revealing the economic implications of these shifts.
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Unofficial Diplomacy Keeps Door Ajar
- Private US envoys meeting Russia signal engagement but produce limited concrete progress.
- Moscow engages enough to keep diplomacy visible while maintaining leverage militarily.
Peace Plan Lost Momentum Quickly
- The 28-point peace plan was presented, then altered by Europeans and Ukrainians before being taken to Moscow.
- Russia rejected the revised version and prefers battlefield gains over current concessions.
Putin's Threats Are Strategic Signals
- Putin's warning that Russia is "ready" for war with Europe was framed as conditional and intended to influence European debate.
- European leaders worry the statement aims to divide and cause caution among governments.