Putin says Moscow seeks better European ties, conflict will produce no winners

Russia supports any steps aimed at restoring relations with European countries, President Vladimir Putin said late on Thursday, adding the outbreak of any

conflict would leave a situation with no winners.



Commenting on his phone call this week with the leaders of Norway and Finland, Putin said Russia was prepared for a potential war with Europe, though it did not want one.



"We support any steps...we support any actions aimed at restoring full-fledged and complete relations with European countries," Putin told reporters after hosting a summit with African leaders.



"First of all, we are ready, but we want no war with Europe. And if anyone wants it, let them prepare, but right now they have not achieved their goal — to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. And if things go too far, there will be no winners at all. Let no one forget that."