Putin is ‘preparing for huge war escalation’ soon, leader warns | News World

A European leader has warned that Ukraine must restart peace talks or face a large escalation from Russia.

Petr Pavel, the Czech President, said there continues to be a ‘window’ to push for peace and open a dialogue with Russia.

‘Russia may have parliamentary elections in September. President Putin will hardly declare mobilisation before, but once the elections are over, then the window will shrink,’ he told the Telegraph.

He added: ‘President Putin may have difficulties keeping calm at home, and if this pressure continues, if Ukraine continues to be capable and successful in hitting targets deep in Russian territory, it is going to create conditions where Russia can be more inclined to barter.’

Three sources near the Kremlin also warned of a possible escalation within the war, telling Reuters that Putin is dismissing any proposal for peace talks.

The war between Russia and Ukraine has been occurring for nearly 4 years now, but Russia has also been waging a quieter war against Europe.

Last week, it was revealed that Russia launched tons of of drones and covert UAVs across Britain and Europe from their shadow fleet in preparation for a future conflict.

The International Institute of Strategic Studies issued a sobering report during which they found Putin’s shadow fleet ships sent drones into Britain and Europe, targeting airports, bases and nuclear sites.

Among the many sites affected by the spy drones were RAF Fairford, Feltwell, Lakenheath and Mildenhall, and dozens of web sites across continental Europe.

‘We assess it is probably going that Russian-linked vessels and the ‘shadow fleet’ were used as launch or recovery platforms for UAVs as a part of the Kremlin’s wider unconventional war on Europe,’ they warned.

Since 2024, mystery drone sightings have plagued airports, military bases and civilian areas as Russia increasingly tests the boundaries of its spyware.

‘The Kremlin was likely capable of map response times, coverage gaps and limitations across European integrated air defences,’ the IISS added.

The drones spied on critical infrastructure as well, to prompt a ‘decisive opening operation in high-intensity conflict’, the report warned.

Get in contact with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Nato country sends in military forces after Russia unleashes fresh round of air strikes

MORE: Suspect in Monaco explosion that left Ukrainian billionaire and lover ‘critical’ pictured

MORE: Monaco bombing suspect identified as woman ‘disguised to seem like man’