Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia is prepared for a war with Europe if confrontation escalates, while insisting that Moscow has no desire to engage in such a conflict.
Putin made the remarks while speaking at a Russia–Africa summit in Moscow, where he accused Western countries of pursuing efforts to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia and argued that those attempts had failed.
“We are ready for war with Europe, but we don’t want it,” Putin said. “As for them, if anyone desires such a thing, let them prepare.”
The Russian leader cautioned European countries against further escalation, warning that a direct confrontation could have devastating consequences for all sides.
“If things go too far, there will be no winners at all,” he said.
Putin also expressed concern about tensions around the Baltic Sea, saying Moscow did not want the region to experience disruption similar to that reported around the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran war.
His comments come amid heightened concerns among NATO members over alleged Russian activities, including suspected sabotage operations, surveillance and incursions into allied airspace.
Germany reportedly raised its assessment of the risk of war with Russia to its second-highest level earlier this month, reflecting growing concerns about the security situation in Europe.
There have also been suspicions of Russian involvement in incidents targeting property linked to former British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer. However, the available report did not establish Putin’s personal involvement in those incidents.
Russia has also faced accusations of using fishing vessels to gather intelligence on Britain’s undersea communications cables. Separately, reported incursions involving Russian drones and military aircraft into Latvian and Estonian airspace have heightened security concerns in the Baltic region.
French fighter jets operating under NATO were also reported to have scrambled in response to a drone that entered Latvian airspace.
Meanwhile, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continued to claim lives, with a reported Russian strike on a railway station killing 14 people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and called on the United States and European countries to take action.
Zelensky described the strike as “horrific”.
The attack came after Ukraine reportedly launched a strike on Moscow while Russia was hosting the summit, underscoring the continued reach of the conflict beyond the front lines.
The Russia–Africa summit brought together delegations from 48 countries, including 22 heads of state, according to the report.
The gathering offered Putin an opportunity to highlight Russia’s diplomatic relationships across Africa as Moscow continues to face pressure from Western governments over its war in Ukraine.
Images from the summit also attracted attention on social media, particularly photographs showing Putin alongside Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, who is reported to be 6ft 8in tall.
The report alleged that the Kremlin sought to restrict the circulation of the photographs but did not provide evidence confirming that claim.
Putin’s latest warning adds to mounting tensions between Moscow and European governments, as concerns over military escalation, alleged hybrid operations and the ongoing war in Ukraine continue to shape security discussions across the continent.
