Vladimir Putin warned Europe on Thursday that Russia is ready for war but does not want one, urging leaders to remember that “if things go too far, there will be no winners at all.”
Speaking at a press conference after the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, Putin dismissed European discussions about preparing for conflict by 2030. “First of all, we are ready, but we do not want any war with Europe,” he said. “If anyone wants it, let them prepare.”
The remarks followed a phone call on Tuesday between Putin and the leaders of Finland and Norway, Alexander Stubb and Jonas Gahr Støre. Putin said they had “done the right thing” by initiating the conversation, despite criticism from other European capitals. Stubb and Støre had stressed the need for de-escalation and reaffirmed support for Ukraine, according to Norwegian and Finnish statements.
Putin also cautioned against turning the Baltic Sea into a conflict zone akin to the Strait of Hormuz. “We do not want such a situation, but we will respond to any challenge,” he said, emphasizing Moscow’s desire to maintain freedom of navigation. The warning came as Russian intelligence services were reported to have intensified hybrid operations across EU and NATO states, with suspected GRU agents detained in Latvia for gathering intelligence on military infrastructure.
Putin reiterated that Russia supports steps to restore relations with Europe, both collectively and bilaterally. Yet he framed his warning as a reminder of the lessons of the two world wars, insisting Russia is acting to prevent a similar catastrophe.
