Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia was ready for war with Europe but did not seek one. He made the statement on October 29 at a press conference following the Russia–Africa summit.
“Many people are talking only about preparing for war by 2030. Is that the right thing to do? No. First of all, we are ready, but we do not want any war with Europe,” Putin said.
He said it would “hardly be possible” to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia by 2030, adding that Moscow supported any steps toward restoring relations with Europe, both as a whole and with individual countries. “And if things go too far, there will be no winners at all. Let no one forget that,” the president added.

Putin also said Russia would not want the situation in the Baltic Sea to replicate what had developed in the Persian Gulf. “Does anyone want the Baltic Sea to become like the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz? We do not want that, but we will respond to any challenge,” he said.
According to the president, the situation in the Baltic Sea was discussed during a conversation with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, held at their initiative.