Putin Says Russia Is Ready for War With Europe but Stresses It Does Not Want One

Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country does not seek war with Europe but is ready for one, speaking at a press conference following the Russia–Africa summit, infohub.kz reports.

According to NUR.KZ, citing RBC, the Russian leader commented on a possible conflict between Russia and European countries: "Many are talking about preparing for war by 2030, whether that is right or not. First, we are ready. But we do not want any war with Europe. If anyone wants one, let them prepare."

Putin noted that the West has so far failed in its goal of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia and is unlikely to achieve it by 2030. "And if things go too far, there will be no winners at all. Let no one forget that," the president added.

He also said Russia remembers the lessons of World War I and World War II and is doing everything to prevent anything similar from happening.

In June, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Russia remains a long-term threat to the alliance. In August, it emerged that the alliance had prepared a plan for a war with Russia. After that, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned European countries about the consequences of an attack on Russian territory.