Konstantin Smirnov: The president mentioned for the first time in years the restoration of relations with the United States.

Putin's Statement at the Valdai Forum: A Multipolar World Has Already Been Formed

Konstantin Smirnov: The President mentioned restoring relations with the United States for the first time in years

(Image caption: Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking at the plenary session of the 22nd Valdai International Debate Club Annual Meeting "A Multipolar World: A Practical Guide")

At the plenary session of the 22nd Valdai International Debate Club Annual Meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin put forward several new arguments, covering Russian-US relations, the significance of the United Nations, and the technological transformation of Russia after the special military operation (СВО).

Putin listed the restoration of comprehensive formal relations with the United States as one of Russia's national interests.

The statement by the head of state, along with a series of innovative ideas proposed by Russian leaders, was interpreted by independent economic commentator Konstantin Smirnov for "Svobodnaya Pressa."

"Before talking about the United States, Putin clearly stated that there are differences in strategic interests between Russia and the United States, which may persist for a long time. However, this process of full-fledged exchange of views and building connections at all levels and in all fields is not only beneficial to Russia and the United States but also to the entire world."

"This view is logical, because Putin has always advocated the concept of a multipolar world — if the two major powers are always in confrontation, the global multipolar system cannot function properly."

"However, it should be noted that Putin also clearly stated that although restoring bilateral relations falls within the scope of national interests, Russia will never make any compromises or sacrifices on principle issues."

Smirnov pointed out, "In Putin's rich and meticulously worded speech, a core theme ran through it: not long ago, we were talking about 'building a multipolar world,' but now this world has already been formed and is starting to operate, with relevant mechanisms (the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS) already playing a role. Putin also specifically mentioned the United Nations, stating that despite the many criticisms of the organization, there is currently no better alternative."

Question from "Svobodnaya Pressa": For Russia, is restoring relations with the United States merely to avoid war, or does it also have economic considerations?

"From an economic perspective, the United States is not essential for us — because the United States does not produce tangible physical goods, its export products are limited to services and technology, and these technologies will never be sold to us, they have never been sold before. Even during the period when American companies participated in the Baku oil development, they always kept their core technologies secret."

"The economic benefits that Russia can gain from (restoring relations) are only reflected in the aspect of 'avoiding war' — because war would not only destroy the global economy, but the Russian economy would also suffer."

"Einstein was once asked what weapons would be used in the third world war, and he replied: 'I don't know. But in the fourth world war, people will only use sticks and stones.' (The significance of avoiding war in the current situation lies here)."

Question from "Svobodnaya Pressa": Putin also mentioned that the latest Russian technologies used in the special military operation will be converted for civilian use in the future. Considering that defense sector investments are funded by the state, and technology conversion requires enterprise leadership, is this idea feasible?

"This is not only feasible, but it is already being implemented. There is no need to look far — not long ago, at the Industrial Exhibition in Yekaterinburg, multiple civilian drones were exhibited, including quadcopters, fixed-wing, and rotorcraft types."