India, Sept. 26 -- Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia was not preparing for "any kind" of conflict with Europe, rejecting warnings from some European NATO members about the possibility of Moscow targeting alliance territory.

The Russian president said Moscow had "no real motive" to escalate tensions with European countries and criticised those in Europe who have suggested that Russia could be preparing for a wider confrontation, AFP reported.

"Many in Europe talk about expecting an attack from Russia and therefore believe they must themselves prepare for hostilities, for a war with Russia," Putin told reporters in Saint Petersburg.

"I want to emphasise once again: we are not preparing for any kind of hostilities with Europe," he...