In brief

• Putin said Russia is ready for a possible war with Europe but does not want one.
• He warned that a confrontation going too far would leave no winners.
• The remarks followed an October 27 call with the Finnish and Norwegian leaders.

Putin's warning at the Russia-Africa forum

Putin said Russia is ready for a possible war with Europe, while stressing that Moscow has no wish for one (Путин заявил, что Россия «не хочет» войны с Европой, но готова к ней – NV) (Путін заявив, що РФ готова до війни з Європою: деталі гучної заяви – TSN). Speaking at the Russia-Africa forum in Moscow, he pushed back on European talk of preparing for a confrontation with Russia by 2030, saying such preparations were for those who wanted them («Если зайдет слишком далеко, победителей не будет». Владимир Путин — о возможной войне с Европой – Meduza).

A warning about escalation

Putin told supporters of war in Europe not to forget that if the confrontation went far enough, there would be no winners at all («Если зайдет слишком далеко, то победителей вообще не будет». Путин заявил, что Россия готова к войне с Европой, но не хочет этого – Zerkalo). He added that Russia remembers the lessons of both world wars and is doing everything to prevent a repeat.

Context of the call with Nordic leaders

According to Putin, both leaders stressed that they were calling in a national capacity rather than on behalf of the EU, and the initiative for the conversation came from them. Putin said he saw value in Europeans seeking a constructive dialogue with Moscow rather than seeking to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, and that Moscow supports steps aimed at restoring full-scale relations.

Reaction and background

Ukrainian outlet TSN reported that the remarks were widely read as a nuclear-tinged threat, while noting Putin softened them by saying Russia does not want war with Europe. Russian outlets carried the same core statements, with Meduza noting the report was still being updated at publication.