Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia is "ready" for war with Europe, delivering a chilling message that "there will be no winners at all" if tensions spiral out of control.
The 74-year-old issued the threat during a press conference in Moscow on Thursday (October 29) at the third Russia-Africa Summit.
Putin dismisses 2030 war claims
During the event, Putin hit back at growing chatter in NATO and European capitals that he was preparing Russia for all-out war by 2030. He sneered at the idea and tried to paint Moscow as the reluctant party, while still making clear he believes the Kremlin is prepared for a fight.
According to the Moscow Times, Putin told reporters: "Many are only talking about preparing for war by 2030. Is this right?
"No. First of all, we are ready, but we do not want any war with Europe."
Baltic Sea flashpoint warning
Nevertheless, Putin assured Russia was also open to rebuilding ties with Europe - collectively and country by country - but cautioned that any further escalation could have grave consequences.
"And if it goes too far, there will be no winners at all," Putin said. "Let no one forget about this."
On maritime security, Putin reportedly said Russia wants to stop tensions in the Baltic spiralling into a crisis on the scale of the Persian Gulf - like the flashpoints around the Strait of Hormuz. He said: "We do not want such a situation, but we will respond to any challenge."
Putin further emphasised the need to uphold international law, United 24 Media reported.
UK defence warning
Western officials have maintained that Putin has no appetite for a direct military clash with NATO, despite mounting fears that Russia could strike the alliance by 2030 as tensions continue to escalate, the Daily Star previously reported.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting warned just last week that Britain must be prepared for war within 1,000 days. Without directly naming Russia, he wrote in The Telegraph: "Our adversaries' willingness to harm us is not new.
"What has changed is their capacity. By 2030 their force strength and war economy could put them in a position to attack.
"That gives us a little over 1,000 days to complete our mission: to be ready with our allies to fight and win."
