Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is ready for a possible military conflict with European countries, although, according to him, it does not seek war. At the same time, the Russian leader expressed interest in restoring relations with Europe.
Putin said this on October 29 at a press conference following the Russia–Africa summit in Moscow, TASS reports.
The Russian president commented on statements by European politicians about the need to prepare for a possible military clash with the Russian Federation by 2030. He questioned the validity of such preparations, while stressing Russia's readiness for such a development.
"We, firstly, are ready, but we do not want any war with Europe", Putin said.
At the same time, he again expressed Moscow's readiness to normalize relations with European states and support initiatives aimed at restoring cooperation.
The Russian president has voiced a similar position before. In September, he claimed that Moscow has no intention of attacking European countries, and that talk of a Russian threat is allegedly used to justify increased military spending and continued support for Ukraine.
At the same time, European states continue to warn of a potential military threat from Russia. Particular attention is paid to the security of NATO's eastern flank, the protection of critical infrastructure and countering sabotage.
Against the backdrop of these statements, Moscow continues the war against Ukraine. At the same time, the Russian leadership has not agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire and maintains territorial demands on Kyiv.
As previously reported by Kurs.com.ua, on October 28, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said that European representatives would not be invited to the upcoming trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
Moscow insists on maintaining the negotiation format without the participation of the European Union, despite the interest of European states in discussing future security guarantees for Ukraine.
Thus, Putin's statements about readiness to restore relations with Europe are not yet accompanied by concrete agreements on reducing military tensions. The Russian president did not present any new initiatives to end the war against Ukraine or change Moscow's position regarding the participation of European countries in the negotiations.
