First posted on Instagram
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, October 29, 2026, that Russia is prepared for a war with Europe but does not want one, warning that a direct military confrontation between Russia and Europe would leave "no winners at all."
Putin made the remarks at a press conference in Moscow following the Russia-Africa summit, which hosted dozens of African leaders on October 28 and 29. Responding to discussion in Europe about preparations for a possible conflict by 2030, he said: "We are ready for war with Europe, but we don't want it. As for them — if anyone desires such a thing, let them prepare." "It is highly unlikely that this will be possible by 2030," Putin added, referring to the West's goal of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia. "If things go too far, there will be no winners at all. Let no one forget this."
Putin also addressed tensions in the Baltic Sea, saying Russia does not want the region to face a situation like the one around the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, but would respond to any challenge. "We do not want this. But we will respond to any challenge," he said.
He said security in the Baltic had come up in telephone talks with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and that the European leaders had called on their own behalf, not on behalf of the European Union.
The warning comes as European governments step up rearmament plans, with EU states aiming to be able to repel a Russian attack by 2030. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and the head of Germany's armed forces, Gen. Carsten Breuer, have said Russia could be capable of a large-scale conventional attack on NATO territory by 2029, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said Europe should be prepared for a major conflict with Russia as early as 2027. The Kremlin has repeatedly rejected those warnings, and Putin has long said Russia has no plans to attack NATO countries.