Putin says Russia wants better ties with Europe but warns against escalation

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia remains willing to rebuild relations with European countries but warned that any wider conflict on the continent would leave no winners, as he commented on recent diplomatic contacts with Nordic leaders and growing security concerns in the Baltic region.

Speaking to reporters after hosting a summit with African leaders, Putin said Moscow would welcome efforts aimed at restoring normal relations with European states despite years of confrontation over the war in Ukraine.

“We support any actions aimed at restoring full-fledged and complete relations with European countries,” Putin said.

His remarks followed telephone conversations earlier this week with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, contacts that drew criticism in some European capitals because they broke a lengthy period of limited direct engagement with Moscow.

Putin defended the decision by the Finnish and Norwegian leaders to hold the discussions and suggested dialogue should not be viewed as a sign of division within Europe.

“We want no war”

While saying Russia was prepared for any eventuality, Putin insisted Moscow was not seeking a military confrontation with Europe.

“First of all, we are ready, but we want no war with Europe,” he said.

The Russian leader argued that attempts to weaken Moscow had failed and issued a broader warning about the consequences of further escalation.

“They have not achieved their goal — to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. And if things go too far, there will be no winners at all. Let no one forget that.”

The comments come as relations between Russia and many European governments remain strained by the conflict in Ukraine, sanctions imposed by the European Union and NATO's increased military presence along the alliance's eastern flank.

Putin also addressed security concerns in the Baltic region, where several incidents involving infrastructure, navigation and military activity have heightened tensions between Russia and neighbouring countries.

He said Moscow wanted to avoid disruptions to maritime traffic and warned against policies that could increase the risk of confrontation.

Drawing a comparison with the Middle East, Putin referenced the instability affecting the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping routes have faced repeated threats since fighting involving Iran and the United States escalated earlier this year.

“Does someone want the same situation in the Baltic as in the Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz?” Putin asked.

He added that while Russia did not seek such an outcome, it would respond if challenged.

“We don't want that, but we will respond to any challenge,” he said.

Diplomatic contacts amid continued tensions

The comments are among the strongest indications in recent months that Moscow sees value in renewed dialogue with some European governments, even as fighting in Ukraine continues and broader political disagreements remain unresolved.

Although Russia's relations with the European Union have deteriorated sharply since the start of the war in February 2022, recent diplomatic contacts involving Norway and Finland have fuelled speculation that some channels of communication may be reopening.

Whether those contacts lead to broader discussions between Moscow and European capitals remains uncertain, but the Russian president's comments indicate that the Kremlin is signalling an openness to dialogue while maintaining a warning against what it views as further escalation of tensions on the continent.

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