Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Thursday that any military escalation with Europe would leave all sides without a victor, while cautioning against potential restrictions on maritime navigation across the Baltic Sea.

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He stated that Moscow did not seek conflict but would deliver a response to any challenge.

Putin noted that Russia opposed limitations on shipping in the Baltic Sea, warning that interference with maritime transit could trigger a disruption similar to the ongoing crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

“Does someone want the same situation in the Baltic as in the Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz?” Putin asked reporters in Moscow. “We don’t want that, but we will respond to any challenge.”

His remarks followed a summit with African leaders, during which recent diplomatic exchanges with Finland and Norway were discussed. Putin stated that Russia remained open to initiatives aimed at rebuilding ties with European nations, despite escalating friction between Moscow and Western capitals.

Putin stated that Russia remained prepared for the prospect of war with Europe, though he insisted Moscow did not desire such an outcome.

“We are ready, but we want no war with Europe,” he stated, adding that any state pursuing confrontation must be prepared for the fallout.

He warned that if tensions escalated out of control, “there will be no winners at all”, while urging governments not to disregard the risks of a wider confrontation.

Additionally, Putin defended Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre for holding telephone discussions with him during the week.

Their decision to engage directly with Moscow drew criticism from select European capitals, where officials viewed the calls as a departure from the unified Western posture toward Russia. The Russian leader maintained that direct dialogue was essential to lay the groundwork for restoring diplomatic relations.

ANI