Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that a war between Russia and European countries would produce no winners, while stating that Moscow is prepared for conflict but does not seek it.
Putin made the comments amid renewed telephone contacts with European leaders, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who spoke with him on Tuesday.
“We are prepared for war, but we do not want war,” Putin said, according to Sky News.
He also indicated support for steps to restore relations with European countries.
The remarks come as European governments weigh how to engage Moscow diplomatically while continuing support for Ukraine, which Russia invaded in February 2022.
According to Reuters, Stubb and Støre used their approximately 90-minute calls to urge Putin to end the war. The Nordic leaders later spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as diplomatic efforts continued.
The contacts preceded expected US-mediated talks involving Russian, Ukrainian and American officials in November.
Russia has repeatedly denied any intention to attack European nations, while European governments have voiced concern over Moscow’s military posture and the broader security implications of the conflict in Ukraine.
Putin’s warning that no side would emerge victorious from a wider confrontation highlights the risks of direct military escalation between Russia and European countries, many of which are NATO members.
