Putin says Europe can't defeat Russia, calls fears 'political schizophrenia'

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Moscow's readiness to resume trilateral talks on Ukraine with the US and Kyiv, while dismissing European fears of war with Russia as "political schizophrenia" and asserting Europe cannot defeat Russia strategically. Putin described Ukraine as a "brotherly nation," citing genetic studies to claim Russians and Ukrainians are "one people." He criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's regime for treating citizens as "cannon fodder." Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov had previously confirmed talks would resume after November 10. The announcement follows US special envoy Steve Witkoff's Wednesday meeting with Putin in St. Petersburg, aimed at advancing proposals to end the war. Witkoff had also met with Zelensky in Norway on Tuesday, with both sessions focused on establishing a pathway toward broader negotiations.