The key facts

  • Putin: Russia is ready for war but does not want a war with Europe
  • According to him, in the event of a deep escalation “there will be no winners at all”
  • The statement was made at a press conference following the Russia — Africa forum

Statement at the press conference

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that in the event of a military conflict between Russia and Europe there would be no winners. The remark was made at a press conference following the Russia — Africa forum; Kun.uz reports this, citing a report by Kun.uz with reference to the material by RBC.

“We are ready, but we do not want war”

Answering a question about numerous statements on the need to prepare for war by 2030, Putin said: “Whether that is right or not is another question. First of all, we are ready. But we do not want any war with Europe. If someone wants war — fine, let them prepare.” He also stressed that the West has not achieved — and, in his view, will not achieve by 2030 — the goal of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia.

Warning about the consequences

“If the situation escalates too deeply, there will be no winners at all. Let no one forget this,” the Russian president added. He also noted that in Russia the lessons of the First and Second World Wars are remembered, and measures are being taken to ensure such events do not happen again.