Vladimir Putin has said that Russia ⁠is prepared ‌for a potential war with Europe in his latest sabre-rattling threat against the continent, though ‌he claimed Moscow does not ‌want one.

The Russian president said his country would support any steps aimed at restoring relations with European countries, as he commented on his phone call with the leaders of Norway and Finland, which took place on Tuesday.

But in a chilling threat, he said that if tensions were to escalate too far, there “would be no winners”.

"First of all, we are ready, but we want no war with Europe”, Putin said.

“And if anyone wants it, let them prepare, but right now they have not achieved their goal to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia.

Putin holds a news conference after the plenary session of the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow (AP)

“And if things go too far, there will be no winners at all.…