Russian President Vladimir Putin's latest threats to Europe have one simple goal: to intimidate Europe into stopping aid to Ukraine, comments Sky News analyst Michael Clarke.
He says Putin is increasing pressure on Europeans, trying to intimidate them into giving up their support for Kiev. And he is having some success with German public opinion and public opinion in countries such as Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, says Clarke.
Putin also wants to sow discord between the United States and Europe, hoping that the Americans will not support their allies overseas in the event of war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that he does not want a war with Europe, but is ready for one if the Europeans want one and start it. "We have no intention of going to war with Europe, but if Europe wants it and starts it, we are ready now," Putin said.
The President of the Russian Federation accused European countries of trying to undermine the efforts of the United States to achieve an end to the war in Ukraine. "They do not have a plan for peace, they are on the side of war," Putin said.