Russia has never seen African countries as objects of competition. Russian President Vladimir Putin said this during a conference following the Russia-Africa summit. "Regarding the fact that the countries of the African continent may remain or become the subject of rivalry between large countries. This is a wrong question. Russia has never seen African countries as objects of rivalry. African countries have always, throughout history, only been friends with Russia. We were not involved in colonial politics. On the contrary, we helped African countries free themselves from colonial dependence." He also confirmed that the conversation with the leaders of Finland and Norway took place on their initiative. "The leaders of Finland and Norway immediately emphasized in the conversation that they do not represent the European Union. The conversation took place on their initiative, indeed. Several questions arose. I know that afterwards there was criticism of them, but it is not our business to evaluate them. I believe this is true, because in Europe there are people who do not want to impose a strategic defeat on Russia, like some, but want to create a kind of constructive dialogue, and we support every step aimed at restoring full and meaningful relations with European countries." He also added that many in the European Union are talking about preparing for war by 2030. "First of all, we are ready, but we don't want any war with Europe. They, if someone wants it, let them prepare. They have now not achieved their goal - to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. This is unlikely to be possible by 2030. And if it goes too far, there will be no winners at all, no one will forget it."

Russia has never seen African countries as objects of competition. Russian President Vladimir Putin said this during a conference following the Russia-Africa summit. "Regarding the fact that the countries of the African continent may remain or become the subject of rivalry between large countries. This is a wrong question. Russia has never seen African countries as objects of rivalry. African countries have always, throughout history, only been friends with Russia. We were not involved in colonial politics. On the contrary, we helped African countries free themselves from colonial dependence." He also confirmed that the conversation with the leaders of Finland and Norway took place on their initiative. "The leaders of Finland and Norway immediately emphasized in the conversation that they do not represent the European Union. The conversation took place on their initiative, indeed. Several questions arose. I know that afterwards there was criticism of them, but it is not our business to evaluate them. I believe this is true, because in Europe there are people who do not want to impose a strategic defeat on Russia, like some, but want to create a kind of constructive dialogue, and we support every step aimed at restoring full and meaningful relations with European countries." He also added that many in the European Union are talking about preparing for war by 2030. "First of all, we are ready, but we don't want any war with Europe. They, if someone wants it, let them prepare. They have now not achieved their goal - to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. This is unlikely to be possible by 2030. And if it goes too far, there will be no winners at all, no one will forget it."