Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned that any escalation with Europe could result in no winner for any party involved, while also advising against limitations on shipping through the Baltic Sea. He asserted that Moscow aimed to avoid war but would react to any provocation.
Putin emphasized that Russia is against limitations on navigation in the Baltic Sea, cautioned that tampering with maritime transit might result in a scenario similar to the disruptions observed in the Strait of Hormuz.
"Is there a desire for the Baltic to experience the same circumstances as the Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz?" Putin inquired of reporters in Moscow. "We do not desire that, yet we will address any challenge."
His comments came after he hosted a summit with African leaders, where recent diplomatic engagements with Finland and Norway were addressed.
Putin expressed that Russia was receptive to efforts intended to mend relations with European countries, even with increasing tension between Moscow and Western governments.
Also Read: Commission Launches High-level Dialogue with European Oil Refiners
Putin asserted that Russia was ready for the possibility of a war with Europe, though he emphasized that it did not desire such a confrontation.
"We are prepared, but we seek no conflict with Europe," he remarked, emphasizing that any nation seeking confrontation must be ready for the repercussions.
He warned that if tensions increased too much, "there will be no winners at all," while advising governments to be aware of the dangers of a larger conflict.
Also Read: Hungary’s €5.4Billion Defence Funding Approved in First SAFE Round
Additionally, Putin supported Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre for having a phone conversation with him during the week. Their choice to interact with Moscow sparked criticism in various European capitals, where some officials saw the overtures as a shift from the unified position on Russia.
Also Read: Europe to Release 42 Million Barrels of Oil to Ease Supply Concerns
The Russian leader highlighted that this kind of communication was crucial for enabling the repair of relations.