Foto: BB.LV / берег Балтики
Putin claims that Russia does not want war with Europe and does not want problems for shipping in the Baltic Sea. However, at the same time, he stated that Moscow is allegedly ready to respond to any challenge and questioned whether Europe wants to bring the situation in the Baltic Sea to that which currently exists in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters quotes Putin as saying: "Does someone want the same situation in the Baltic as in the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz?" After this, the President of Russia added that Moscow does not want this, but will "respond to any challenge." The British LBC also highlights the part of Putin's statement regarding the Baltic Sea. The publication writes that the President of Russia warned against restrictions on shipping in the Baltic and linked a possible escalation of the situation to what has been happening in the Strait of Hormuz for the past eight months. ## ## Putin Says - Does Not Want War with Europe, but Allegedly Ready for It These statements came after the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow. Putin told journalists that Russia supports the restoration of relations with European countries and is ready for dialogue. At the same time, he stated that Russia is allegedly prepared for a possible conflict with Europe, although he claimed that Moscow does not want such a war. Putin also warned that there would be no winners in a broader conflict between Russia and Europe. Reuters reports that he linked this issue to recent conversations with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The President of Russia praised both politicians for communicating with Moscow, despite the criticism that such contacts have provoked in some European countries. The Azerbaijani publication APA, citing the Russian state agency TASS, also reports that the discussions with the leaders of Finland and Norway allegedly addressed security in the Baltic Sea. After this, Putin stated that Russia does not want a situation in this region similar to that of the Strait of Hormuz.
