Putin Says Russia Is Ready for War but Does Not Want One

Vladimir Putin said Russia was prepared for a war with Europe but did not want one, warning that a conflict could leave no winners. Speaking at a press conference in Moscow on October 29, the Russian president also said his government supported steps to restore relations with European countries. Putin made the remarks after a summit with African leaders and in response to questions about recent calls with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. He said European preparations for a possible conflict did not mean Russia sought war, while asserting that Russia was ready if a confrontation occurred. The remarks included a warning against allowing tensions to escalate. Putin said European countries had not achieved their stated goal of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia and cautioned that if events went too far, there would be no winners. His comments were statements of Russia’s position; they did not establish that a conflict was imminent or specify what actions would lead to one. Putin also addressed navigation in the Baltic Sea, saying Russia did not want restrictions there or a situation resembling disruptions around the Strait of...