Russian President Vladimir Putin has ratcheted up tensions with Europe, warning that if the bloc starts a war with Russia, Moscow is ready.

Ukraine's military denies claims that Russia has now taken control of the defence hub Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.

As President Trump’s advisers continue their push to sell Russian President Vladimir Putin on a path toward ending the war in Ukraine.

The Bundeswehr is to be "war-ready" by 2029 - but how real is the threat of a Russian attack on NATO? View on euronews

BRUSSELS - However Donald Trump’s latest push to end the war in Ukraine pans out, Europe fears the prospect of a deal – sooner or later – that will not punish or weaken Russia as its leaders had hoped, placing the continent’s security in greater jeopardy.

But if Europe suddenly decides to fight and starts, we are ready right now,” Putin told reporters, according to Russia’s Interfax news agency. The Russian leader’s remarks come as tensions remain high with NATO countries amid the ongoing Ukraine War.