Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a sharp verbal attack on European leaders ahead of a major Brussels summit, referring to them as “little pigs” while addressing ongoing U.S.-brokered discussions related to the war in Ukraine.

Putin’s remarks come nearly four years after Russian forces invaded Ukraine, a conflict that has resulted in extensive casualties and left Russia occupying approximately 19 percent of Ukrainian territory. Despite the prolonged fighting and mounting losses, Putin used his latest address to deflect responsibility for the war, placing blame squarely on the previous U.S. administration.

In a lengthy and unusually aggressive rant, Putin accused the Joe Biden administration of deliberately pushing the region toward armed conflict. He claimed Washington believed Russia could be rapidly weakened or even destroyed and alleged that European leaders willingly aligned themselves with that objective.

“Europe’s little pigs immediately joined in the work of the previous American administration, hoping to profit from the collapse of our country,” Putin said, escalating rhetoric as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes.

The Russian president also reiterated long-standing territorial claims, stating that Russia would “liberate its historical lands on the battlefield” if necessary, while leaving open the possibility of achieving those goals through diplomacy. The comments signal Moscow’s continued insistence that its objectives in Ukraine remain unchanged.

Putin has repeatedly dismissed Western warnings about Russian aggression toward Europe, previously calling such concerns “hysteria” and insisting claims that Russia seeks broader war with the continent are “a lie.”

The inflammatory language is expected to heighten tensions as European leaders convene to discuss security, defense spending, and the future of support for Ukraine amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.