Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that any escalation between Russia and Europe could leave all sides without a winner. He also cautioned European countries against imposing restrictions on Baltic Sea shipping, saying Moscow would respond to any challenge.

Putin said Russia opposed any interference with navigation in the Baltic Sea. He warned that such restrictions could create a situation similar to the disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.

“Does someone want the same situation in the Baltic as in the Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz?" Putin asked reporters in Moscow. “We don’t want that, but we will respond to any challenge."

His remarks came after he hosted a summit with African leaders and discussed recent diplomatic contacts with Finland and Norway. Putin said Moscow remained open to restoring relations with European countries despite rising tensions with Western capitals.

Putin said Russia was prepared for the possibility of a war with Europe but stressed that Moscow did not want such a conflict.

“We are ready, but we want no war with Europe," he said. He added that any country seeking a confrontation with Russia should be prepared for the consequences.

Warning against further escalation, Putin said, “there will be no winners at all". He urged countries to recognise the risks of a wider conflict.

The Russian president also defended Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre for speaking to him by phone earlier this week. Their calls with Moscow drew criticism in some European capitals, where officials viewed the move as a departure from the broader European approach towards Russia.

Putin defended their decision, saying communication with Moscow was necessary to help restore relations.