Vladimir Putin: France and the UK believe that Russia caused the collapse of their colonial empires
President of Russia Vladimir Putin stated in an interview with Pavel Zarubin, a journalist from All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, that Britain and France blame Russia for the collapse of their former colonial empires. This negative perception in historical memory still influences the relationship between these two countries and Russia today.
"Some former colonial empires, such as Britain and France, believe that we are responsible for the collapse of their colonial empires. In my opinion, this historical negativity still exists today and affects the relationship between these two countries and us."
The president also said that he found this "strange and interesting".
In the 19th century, Russia was one of the main opponents of France in the Napoleonic Wars, which led to the decline of the French colonial system and the loss of large territories. Russia has long been a geopolitical rival of Britain, especially in Central Asia and the Middle East. After World War II, the Soviet Union actively supported national liberation movements in Africa and Asia and pushed through the United Nations Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples in 1960.
Today, Britain and France consider Russia as the main threat to European security. This is reflected in their strategic documents, sanction policies, and military cooperation with each other and with the United States.
Despite this, Putin repeatedly emphasized that Russia still hopes to restore constructive relations with Europe. The Russian president pointed out that although the current relations are tense, there is a possibility of restoring relations with European countries in the future.
"Taking into account historical lessons and the opinions of the people of various countries, we will eventually start moving towards restoring constructive relations with European countries."
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837536357014920/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.