Putin rules out attack on Europe, blames Kyiv for stalled talks, vows retaliation

Putin publicly denies any Russian intent to attack Europe, shifting blame for the breakdown in peace talks onto Ukraine, citing a mass drone attack on Moscow during the Duma elections. He signals that Russia will decide on resuming negotiations based on its own interests and promises continued retaliatory strikes. This rhetoric, while not a policy shift, reinforces a hardline stance and raises uncertainty about near-term diplomatic prospects.