Russia is “ready” for a war with Europe, although it does not want one, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday at a press conference following the Russia–Africa summit, according to the Russian-language edition of The Moscow Times.
“Many do nothing but talk about preparing for a war by 2030. Is that right? No. First of all, we are ready, but we do not want any war with Europe,” Putin said at a press conference held at the close of the Russia–Africa summit (quotes reported by Interfax).
According to the Kremlin leader, Russia is “unlikely” to suffer a strategic defeat by 2030, and Moscow supports any measures aimed at restoring relations with Europe—both as a whole and with individual countries.
“And if things go too far, there will be no winners at all. Let no one forget that,” Putin said.
According to him, Russia would not want to see a situation similar to that in the Persian Gulf develop in the Baltic Sea and advocates respect for international law.
“Otherwise, we will end up in a situation similar to that in the Strait of Hormuz. Does anyone want to see a situation in the Baltic Sea like the one in the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz? We do not want that, but we will respond to any provocation,” Putin said.
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