AI-generated illustration

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow does not want a war with Europe but is prepared for one, warning that such a conflict would leave no winner. He made the remarks in Moscow at a joint news conference with Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye, the current chairperson of the African Union, following the Russia-Africa Summit.

Putin also said Western countries had failed to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia and appeared unlikely to do so by 2030. He voiced support for rebuilding relations with European states and backed a greater role for African countries in international decision-making bodies.

Reform of international institutions

Putin said decisions on the main issues on the global agenda should be made on the basis of broad consensus, and that Russia supports fairer representation for African countries in international decision-making mechanisms, including the UN Security Council.

He also called for reform of international organizations. "Of course, this process must be prepared carefully, handled in a balanced way and carried out through consensus," Putin said.

Key takeaways

• Putin said Russia does not want war with Europe but is prepared for one, warning there would be no winner.
• He said the West has failed to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia and is unlikely to do so by 2030.
• Putin backed restoring full relations with the EU and its member states after calls with the leaders of Finland and Norway.
• He supported fairer African representation in international bodies, including the UN Security Council.