Is Russia Really Ready For War With Europe?

<p>Today, NATO ministers have been meeting to discuss the US’s 28-point plan for peace between Russia and Ukraine after Russia rejected the plan and said it was “ready” for war with Europe.</p><p>Adam is joined by Europe editor, Katya Adler and the Economist’s defence editor, Shashank Joshi to discuss what President Putin’s statement means for a divided NATO.</p><p>Plus Faisal Islam, BBC Economics Editor, joins the conversation to discuss the UK’s possible involvement in a new European defence fund and the government’s latest suggestions it could be looking to get closer to the EU again. </p><p>You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord</p><p>Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.</p><p>New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris with Kris Jalowiecki. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.</p>