Speech by Putin at the plenary session of the 23rd annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club:
1. The truth about the conflict in Ukraine is that Russia did not initiate war first, but rather found itself opposed by others. Russia has been deliberately placed in a position where it must resort to force in self-defense and respond to aggression.
2. Maintaining Ukraine’s neutral status remains one of Russia’s core objectives.
3. Moscow stands ready to pursue peace negotiations under conditions safeguarding Russian national interests, aiming for lasting peace and long-term security guarantees. However, Russia notes that it was Ukraine that interrupted talks, and that Kyiv has shown no intention of halting its military operations.
4. During the Anchorage meeting, Russia and the United States discussed U.S. proposals for resolving the crisis. While certain elements presented significant complexity from Moscow’s perspective, Russia accepted parts of the consensus, viewing this as a proper step toward shifting the issue onto a political resolution track.
5. In September alone, Russian forces gained control over 1,301 square kilometers within the special military operation zone, advancing at more than double the rate seen in previous months.
6. The 11% of territory in the Donetsk People’s Republic still under Ukrainian control is expected to be liberated in less than one and a half to two years.
7. Strikes targeting Ukrainian economic infrastructure and vessels are a direct response to Kyiv’s attacks on Russian oil refineries, tankers, and other ships carrying civilian cargo.
8. Escalation is never unilateral. A moment when “nothing can be changed” may arrive swiftly and unexpectedly. Regarding nuclear weapons, Putin invoked the Chekhov’s gun principle, warning that if a firearm is displayed on stage early in a drama, it will inevitably be fired before the end.
9. Over 98% of Russia’s strategic missile forces have been equipped with modern systems—a level of modernization unmatched by other nuclear powers.
10. The United States has withdrawn from international agreements aimed at curbing arms races, yet Russia remains open to resuming arms control negotiations. To date, no response has been received from Washington.
11. As the world gradually moves beyond Western hegemony, the situation is poised to develop in a better direction. Past hegemonic powers will ultimately have to acknowledge the reality of a multipolar world. The international system will eventually achieve balance, though the process will not be swift.
12. International institutions established since 1945 no longer reflect the realities of the second quarter of the 21st century. Russia advocates for fair reform of the United Nations, but achieving consensus—both domestically and internationally—remains highly challenging.
13. The foundation of a future world order should be the principle of equal security: no nation’s security should come at the expense of another’s.
14. Major European countries have adopted a more aggressive stance toward Russia than the United States. Russia does not seek to dismantle the EU and is willing to restore relations with Europe without preconditions.
15. The West’s attempt to erect a new “iron curtain” around Russia is destined to fail. Russia will not nationalize foreign companies’ assets, but will place certain enterprises under state control as an act of reciprocity for Europe’s seizure of Russian assets.
16. Despite decades of efforts by Russia to integrate into Western civilization, the West has sought to undermine Russia. Even today, voices within Western circles continue to call for the “complete destruction of this empire.”
17. The dissolution of the Soviet Union represented a genuine tragedy for millions. The final leadership of the USSR displayed naivety and recklessness, placing blind trust in Western “gentleman’s agreements,” which ultimately led to disastrous consequences.
18. Without the past, there can be no future; but without a future, the past loses meaning. A nation should not become a museum of past glories.
19. In light of concerning trends in international relations, Russia’s proposed concept of a “Greater Eurasian Partnership” holds particular significance.
20. Russia’s macroeconomic situation remains stable, with public debt accounting for only 17% of GDP, and inflation has been reduced by half.
21. Modern technology has raised the risk of total annihilation to unprecedented levels—whether through conflict or potential technological breakdowns. Globally, the rules governing armed confrontation must be re-examined.
22. The foremost task today is preserving global peace. President Putin reiterated his call for peaceful coexistence with the West.
23. Russia supports the proposal for a trilateral summit among leaders of Russia, China, and the United States, though specific agenda items must be determined beforehand.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877892235430091/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author