Even as he courted leaders from across Africa, Russia’s president turned his attention to Europe. His message mixed an offer of better relations with a pointed warning.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, that Russia is ready for a war with Europe but does not want one, warning that such a conflict would leave no winners.
What did Putin say about a war with Europe?
Speaking to reporters after a summit with African leaders in Moscow, Putin noted that many people are talking about preparing for war by 2030. Russia is ready, he said, but it does not want a war with Europe, according to Russian state media.
He said that anyone who wants to prepare for war is free to do so, but argued that Europe has not achieved its goal of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia and is unlikely to by 2030.
If a war with Europe went too far, he warned, there would be no winners at all, adding that no one should forget it.
Putin also said Moscow would support any moves to improve relations with Europe, both with the European Union and with individual countries.
Why are European leaders talking about 2030?
Several European governments and NATO officials have warned that Russia could be capable of attacking a NATO country within a few years, prompting a rise in defense spending across the continent.
European leaders say they are preparing to deter Russia and avoid conflict, while Moscow describes the buildup as hostile. Russian officials have repeatedly cast a war with Europe as something the West is provoking.
The war in Ukraine, which Russia escalated with its invasion in February 2022, remains the main source of tension. Peace efforts led by the United States have yet to produce a ceasefire.
What happened on the Nordic phone call?
Putin also addressed his recent phone call with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. The two leaders, whose countries border Russia, initiated the call, which lasted 90 minutes, on Tuesday to discuss the war in Ukraine and efforts to end it.
Stubb described the conversation as frank and substantive. The call marked a shift from most European leaders, who have largely avoided direct contact with Putin, and drew criticism from some allies, including Denmark.
According to reports, Putin used the call to lecture the leaders on Russian history and repeat his demands for ending the war, with little mention of a ceasefire.
What happened at the summit with African leaders?
The meeting, held over two days in Moscow, brought together delegations from 48 African countries, including 22 heads of state. It was led jointly by Putin and Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, the current chair of the African Union. It was the third such summit, following meetings in 2019 and 2023.
Putin presented Russia as an alternative partner to former colonial powers and promised Moscow would not seek to dominate the continent. Russia has expanded its political, military and economic presence in Africa in recent years, particularly in the Sahel region. Several African leaders also held separate talks with Putin at the Kremlin.
Critics, including Western governments, accuse Moscow of using security deals and mercenary groups to gain influence in unstable countries.
What does Putin’s war with Europe warning mean?
Analysts say Putin’s comments on a war with Europe mix reassurance with warning, signaling openness to talks while reminding Europe of Russia’s military strength.
With fighting in Ukraine continuing and peace efforts stalled, the debate over a possible war with Europe is likely to shape defense planning across the continent for years.
