Putin says Russia is ready for war with Europe but does not want one

Left · 2Russian President Vladimir Putin said on 29 October that Russia is ready for war with Europe but does not want one. 1 2 Left · 2Responding to talk in Europe of preparing for war with Russia by 2030, he said: "First of all, we are ready, but we don't want any war with Europe," and added that anyone who wants one should prepare. 1 3 Left · 2He urged those in Europe who advocate war to remember that if things go too far, there will be no winners at all, and said Russia remembers the lessons of both world wars and is doing everything it can to prevent a repeat. 1 2

Left · 1According to the Daily Mirror, he also said Europe has not achieved its goal of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia and that this is unlikely by 2030; the remarks came at a news conference after a plenary session of the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. 3 Left · 2Putin also commented on phone calls with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, which the Independent says took place on Tuesday; he said he welcomed them as a step in the right direction, that the initiative came from the European leaders, and that Russia supports steps to restore relations with Europe. 3 2 Left · 1The Independent reports he said Moscow did not want the Baltic Sea to face a situation similar to that in the Strait of Hormuz. 2

Left · 1The Independent reports that the Stubb and Støre call drew criticism from Nordic counterparts including Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen, who urged European leaders to "stick together" on Ukraine, and that Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson said other European leaders were not informed of the talks; Støre said he and Stubb stressed de-escalation and voiced strong support for Ukraine. 2 Left · 1The Mirror notes that western defence intelligence has previously said Russia could have the resources to attack NATO by 2030. 3