Vladimir Putin claims that Russia is ready for war with Europe, but warns that “there will be no winners”

Vladimir Putin said Thursday, at the press conference held after the Russia-Africa summit, that Moscow supports any initiative aimed at restoring relations with European countries, but warned that a potential war between Russia and Europe would have no winners.

The Russian leader said that Russia is prepared for a conflict, although it does not want one. “We are prepared for war, but we do not want any war,” Putin said, warning that escalating tensions could have serious consequences. He urged Europeans not to forget that, if the situation goes “too far,” there will be no winners.

The statements were made two days after Putin held a phone conversation with the leaders of Norway and Finland. The Russian president said that his interlocutors had emphasized that they did not represent the European Union.

Putin also argued that the West has not achieved its objective of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia and that this is unlikely to happen by 2030. His warnings come amid persistent tensions between Moscow and European countries.