Putin warns EU against escalating Ukraine conflict

Russian President Putin threatened the EU with a strong response if it continues to militarize and escalate the conflict in Ukraine instead of pursuing peace. Putin accused Europeans of fueling the Ukraine conflict and preventing its peaceful resolution, while denying Russia's involvement in military confrontations. He also mocked European leaders and referenced a recent incident involving a Russian oil tanker. The threats come amid increasing Western pressure on Russia's economy and military, including potential US intelligence sharing with Ukraine for strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and consideration of providing long-range missiles to Ukraine. The EU also plans to use frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine.