Russia warns Europe of swift military response if war breaks out
Key Takeaways
- UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia cautioned that direct military confrontation with European countries could escalate rapidly.
- Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to hold US-mediated negotiations in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11.
- The European Union approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, including €60 billion for defence, alongside further sanctions against Russia.
Moscow warns European governments against preparing for military confrontation as Russia and Ukraine head into US-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi.
Russia has warned European countries against entering a direct military confrontation with Moscow, saying such a conflict could escalate rapidly and carry serious consequences.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Ukraine in New York on Monday, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticised European politicians discussing possible preparations for war with Russia.
"European politicians discussing preparations for war with Russia in 2029–2030 should be aware of the consequences of such a dangerous course. Our country has repeatedly made this clear: we do not seek an armed confrontation with Europe," Nebenzya said.
The Russian diplomat insisted that Moscow was not seeking a military confrontation with European countries but warned that any conflict initiated by European states would be different from the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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"If European states themselves unleash a war, the nature of the confrontation will be fundamentally different, and events could unfold swiftly."
His remarks came ahead of US-mediated peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, scheduled for November 10 and 11 in Abu Dhabi.
The planned talks follow recent diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing hostilities between the two countries.
On October 23, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 270 captives each in a prisoner swap mediated by the United Arab Emirates.
A temporary humanitarian ceasefire in Ukraine's Kherson region was also arranged through US mediation.
Despite these developments, major disagreements remain over the conditions for ending the war.
Moscow maintains that any peace agreement must address its security demands, while Kyiv is seeking guarantees against future Russian military attacks.
Meanwhile, the European Union has approved a €90 billion ($100.98 billion) loan for Ukraine covering 2026 and 2027.
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Of that amount, €60 billion ($67.20 billion) has been allocated for defence support.
The bloc has also introduced additional sanctions targeting Russia's energy, financial and military-industrial sectors.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
