Putin Says Many in EU Preparing for War with Russia by 2030, Russia Ready but Seeks Peace

© Пресс-служба Кремля / скриншот из видео

Russia has no interest in a military conflict with European countries but is prepared for such a scenario, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a press conference following the "Russia-Africa" summit.

Putin addressed calls in Europe to prepare for a possible military confrontation with Russia by 2030, stating that Moscow does not seek escalation but takes into account existing risks.

He also warned that in the event of direct military conflict between Russia and Europe, there would be no winners. Putin urged not to forget the potential consequences of such a scenario.

According to the president, European countries have failed to achieve a strategic defeat of Russia. He expressed doubt that this goal could be achieved by 2030.

Putin discusses conversations with Finland and Norway leaders

Putin also commented on a phone conversation with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Putin noted that the initiative for the conversation came from the European side. At the beginning of the conversation, the interlocutors emphasized that they were not speaking on behalf of the European Union.

The Russian leader stated that Moscow supports any initiatives aimed at restoring full-fledged relations with European countries. This can be done both through dialogue with the EU as a whole and through bilateral contacts with individual countries.

Russia speaks on Baltic security

Another topic of discussion was the situation in the Baltic region. As Putin noted, the issue of Baltic security was raised by the European interlocutors, primarily Stubb.

Putin said that the Finnish leader expressed hope for compliance with international maritime law by Finland and other European countries. Moscow, according to Putin, shares this approach.

The Russian leader stressed that he did not want to see a situation in the Baltic Sea similar to that in the Strait of Hormuz. However, he stated that Russia is ready to respond to any challenges that arise.

Putin emphasized that Moscow advocates for reducing tensions and restoring dialogue with European countries, while taking into account its own security concerns.