Putin tells Europe Russia is 'ready for war' but warns there would be no winners
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a fresh warning to European countries, reportedly saying Russia is ready for war with Europe even though it does not want one.
What he said
Speaking at a Russia–Africa summit in Moscow, reported on Thursday, 29 October 2026, Putin is said to have told any European country seeking a conflict to prepare for it, and warned that if things escalated there would be no winners at all. He argued that Western efforts to defeat Russia strategically had failed. He also said Moscow did not want the Baltic Sea to face disruption like that seen in the Strait of Hormuz during the recent Iran war, which pushed up fuel prices around the world.
The summit
The meeting was attended by 48 countries, including 22 heads of state, according to reports. African countries have deepened trade and security ties with Russia in recent years, and the summit was seen as part of Moscow's effort to keep its influence on the continent.
Background
Tensions between Russia and NATO countries have risen in recent months. Several European governments have accused Russia of sabotage, surveillance of undersea cables and drone incursions into their airspace, including over Latvia and Estonia. Germany raised its assessment of the risk of war with Russia earlier this month. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine continues, and a Russian strike on a railway station was reported to have killed 14 people this week, an attack Ukraine's president condemned.
What happens next
European leaders are expected to respond to the remarks, and NATO is likely to keep up its patrols in the Baltic region.
- Putin says Russia does not want war but is ready for it.
- He warned there would be 'no winners' if tensions escalate.
- He spoke at a Russia–Africa summit attended by 48 countries.
