Putin to Europe: Russia wants peace but ready for war — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow does not want a war with European countries and remains willing to normalize and strengthen relations with them. However, he warned that Russia is prepared to respond if a conflict is imposed on it. According to Reuters, Putin made the remarks while speaking to journalists in Moscow on Thursday, following a meeting with leaders of African countries. “We do not want war with Europe, but if someone wants war, they should be prepared. We are ready. However, if the situation escalates further, neither side will emerge victorious,” he said. Putin added that Russia was willing to take all necessary steps to restore full relations with European countries. He also described his telephone conversations earlier this week with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre as positive, saying both leaders had taken the right step by reaching out to Moscow. The Russian president also warned against restrictions on maritime traffic in the Baltic Sea, saying that limiting shipping and communications could heighten tensions. He stressed that Russia would not leave any challenge unanswered.