Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow supports efforts to restore full diplomatic relations with European countries, while warning that any military conflict between Russia and Europe would leave both sides with no winners.
Speaking to reporters late on Thursday after hosting a summit with African leaders, Putin said Russia was prepared for a potential war with Europe but had no desire for such a conflict.
“We support any steps… we support any actions aimed at restoring full-fledged and complete relations with European countries,” he said.
“First of all, we are ready, but we want no war with Europe. And if anyone wants it, let them prepare. But right now they have not achieved their goal — to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia.
“And if things go too far, there will be no winners at all. Let no one forget that.”
Putin was commenting on a phone conversation earlier this week with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere.
He said both leaders were right to initiate contact with Moscow, despite criticism from some European capitals that their move broke ranks with the wider European position towards Russia.
Putin also stressed that Moscow did not want restrictions on navigation in the Baltic Sea, warning that limiting communication and access could create a situation similar to the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway has faced disruption since the US-Iranian conflict broke out in February.
“Does someone want the same situation in the Baltic as in the Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz?” Putin asked.
“I don’t know. We don’t want that, but we will respond to any challenge,” he added.
