Putin calls Europe's war warnings 'political schizophrenia,' signals readiness for Ukraine talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Moscow's readiness to resume trilateral talks on Ukraine, while dismissing European warnings about a potential war with Russia as "political schizophrenia" and asserting Europe cannot defeat Russia strategically. In an interview with a Vesti journalist, Putin called Ukraine a "brotherly nation" and claimed genetic studies show Russians and Ukrainians are one people. He also criticized the Kiev regime for treating Ukrainians as "cannon fodder," and confirmed negotiations with US officials would resume after November 10. The statement follows US special envoy Steve Witkoff's Wednesday meeting with Putin in St. Petersburg, aimed at advancing proposals to end the war. Witkoff had previously met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Norway, with both diplomatic efforts focused on establishing a pathway toward broader negotiations.