"Russia will never show weakness and indecision"

The world has stopped playing by the rules set by "one person and somewhere far away": until now, there have not been so many countries in the international arena that influence global processes. Vladimir Putin said this on October 2 during an almost four-hour speech at the XXII annual meeting of the Valdai Club. The West is trying to maintain its hegemony, and some still hope to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. But Moscow is closely monitoring the growing militarization of Europe and warns that the answer will not be long in coming and "will be very convincing." Other topics include the situation in the war zone. Russia has to liberate 0.13% of the LPR, 19% in the DPR, and 24-25% in the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions. New details about the meeting in Alaska and a terrible event in the modern history of mankind can be found in the Izvestia article.

About the main principles of multipolarity

Sochi hosted the annual international event, the XXII meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club. During its existence, which has been more than 20 years, the platform has become the center of discussion about changing the world order. If in previous years the participants talked about Western hegemony, this year they talked more about creating a polycentric world. Vladimir Putin traditionally takes part in this event and shares his thoughts on the fate of world politics. Guests from 42 countries came to listen to the Russian president — from Algeria, Iran and Brazil to the UK, China and the USA. The president's speech this year lasted almost four hours.

Putin, in particular, identified five features of the multipolar world: it is characterized by openness and the presence of creative space for foreign policy behavior, dynamism and democracy.

— The cultural, historical, and civilizational specifics of different countries play a greater role than ever. It is necessary to look for points of contact and convergence of interests. No one is ready to play by the rules set by someone alone and somewhere far away, as one very famous chansonnier sang, "beyond the mists," or "beyond the oceans," Vladimir Putin shared.

According to the President, so far there have not been so many countries on the world stage that influence the most important regional and global processes. At the same time, in conditions of freedom from dictate, it is necessary to maintain a balance. Now international cooperation between the states is growing actively and on the basis of equality. The president warmly recalled his recent fruitful and record—breaking visit to China, and also admitted that he was looking forward to his trip to India in early December.

International structures are also developing their work. One of the clearest examples of multipolarity can be considered BRICS – they will actively work to expand the possibilities of electronic payments and trade. Today, the BRICS share of global GDP is 40%, while the EU countries account for 23%. Meanwhile, the institutions of global governance created in previous eras have largely lost their effectiveness, the president noted. He named the UN as one of the few remaining influential organizations.

"The United Nations, of course, is the legacy of the victory in World War II, and the most successful experience so far in creating an international organization within which it is possible to solve pressing global problems," he said.

On the hegemony of the West

Over the past years, Russia's opponents have repeatedly tried to "kick Russia out of the global system" and drive it into informational, political and cultural isolation, Vladimir Putin noted. Moscow was able to withstand the intense pressure. Now the main task for the Russian economy will be to diversify it, increase labor productivity and wages.

In terms of the number and volume of punitive measures imposed against us, which are shamefully called sanctions, Russia is an absolute record holder in world history. However, it turned out that an international balance is impossible without Moscow's participation. The reason for this is not only the defense and technological potential, but also the crucial role that the Russian Federation plays in the global economy and politics. Nevertheless, these attempts do not stop, and talking about the plans of Western countries to maintain their hegemony, Vladimir Putin even recalled the famous Russian proverb "there is no way against scrap except another scrap," noting that all power has its limit.

Moreover, hegemonic countries create tension in their own societies. Discontent with the elite is brewing in Western European countries. However, the ruling elite of Europe continues to whip up hysteria that "war with the Russians is almost on the threshold." The Russian president once again called nonsense the statements that Moscow is going to attack NATO.

"Most people in Europe cannot understand why they are so afraid of Russia that in order to confront it they need to tighten their belts tighter and tighter and forget about their own interests, just surrender them, and pursue a policy clearly to their detriment," Vladimir Putin said.

At the same time, some countries still hope to inflict what they call a "strategic defeat" on Russia. The President called the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO stupid. At the same time, Moscow is closely monitoring the growing militarization of Europe. In particular, Germany is already saying that the German army should once again become the most powerful in Europe.

— I think no one doubts that such retaliatory measures by Russia will not take long to wait. The response to the threats, it seems, to put it mildly, will be very convincing.… Russia will never show weakness and indecision," the Russian leader said.

At the same time, Putin urged not to provoke the Russian Federation: it ends badly for provocateurs. And those who want to "compete with Russia" militarily, he warned that Moscow's reaction would be swift. Russia, for example, may have new hypersonic weapons systems, and work is underway on them. As for atomic weapons, Moscow is confident in its nuclear shield and is ready to test these weapons if other countries do the same. The Russian Federation has more tactical weapons than the United States, the president noted.

The dialogue on the extension of the START Treaty remains difficult. If Washington is not interested in this, then Russia will also withdraw from the game. At the same time, Putin hopes that the doom of the plan to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia "will reach the most stubborn slow-witted." The Head of State addressed European politicians from the forum's platform.

— That's what I want to say, calm down, sleep well, and finally take care of your problems. Look at what is happening on the streets of European cities, what is happening to the economy, industry, European culture and identity, huge debts and the growing crisis of social security systems, out-of-control migration, and how Europe is sliding to the periphery of global competition," he said.

For example, Putin called the reason for France's recent high—profile seizure of a tanker in neutral waters a difficult domestic political situation for Paris - an attempt to "transfer tension to an external circuit" and provoke Moscow to aggressive actions.

According to the president, Europe is a powerful, civilizational, but already "fading center." And this is not even because of the stagnation in its economy.

— The fact is that these fundamental things related to European identity are disappearing — that's the whole point. Such erosion occurs from the inside, uncontrolled migration corrodes from the inside. One way or another, the value basis must remain. If it doesn't exist, if it disappears, then Europe, which we all loved so much, disappears," the president remarked regretfully.

In Russian society, there is a revival of interest among young people in the same national costume. Today, Russians in kokoshniks and traditional Russian outfits are increasingly seen at events. Foreigners also talk about their love for Russian culture. For example, journalist Tara Reid, who received Russian citizenship, spoke about her love for Russia and, in particular, for Moscow. The president supported it.

"It's worth a lot from a native of St. Petersburg and Leningrad,— said Fyodor Lukyanov, moderator of the discussion.

"This is a revolutionary event," the president confirmed.

About relations with the new American administration

The Russian leader called on the European authorities to start building relations with her in a different direction. One of the most striking examples is the policy of the current US administration, which adheres to national interests and supports dialogue. Moscow is interested in restoring full-fledged relations with Washington, including trade ties. For example, last year, Russia earned about $800 million from selling uranium to the United States. At the same time, during a meeting with Donald Trump in Alaska in August this year, the leaders did not talk about bilateral relations at all: they were talking only about the Ukrainian settlement.

— Our countries [the Russian Federation and the USA], as you know, have a lot of contradictions. Our views on many global issues do not converge. For such major powers, this is actually normal, absolutely natural. The main thing is how to resolve these contradictions, to the extent possible to resolve them peacefully," the President noted.

Despite disagreements on various issues, both Russians and Americans share common values and qualities, including bravery on the battlefield. As an example, the Russian leader cited the son of CIA Deputy Director Michael Gloss, who, being wounded, tried to help a Russian soldier. Despite their heroism, they were killed by a Ukrainian drone attack.

— And how is it sung in the national anthem? The USA is a brave country, isn't it? Here he is, a brave man. He really proved it by his behavior, by his life," Putin said.

The President also expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He called the murder abhorrent, noting that he defended the same traditional values as Michael Gloss, who died on his own.

Vladimir Putin reiterated that the conflict in Ukraine could have been avoided if it had not been turned into a destructive tool in the wrong hands, and if Donald Trump had been in power in the United States. He admitted that what is happening is a pain for both Ukrainians and Russians. But the responsibility for the fact that the fire in Ukraine has not yet been stopped lies primarily with Europe, which is constantly escalating the conflict.

About the situation on the line of contact

Speaking about the situation in the special operation zone, Putin said that the Russian Armed Forces are confidently moving forward along the entire line of combat contact. Troops have already entered Seversk, Konstantinovka and Krasnoarmeysk, occupied two thirds of Kupyansk, took control of Yunakovka in the Sumy region, Kirovsk in the DPR and on the way to the same result in Volchansk. So, the Russian Federation is confidently creating a security zone. In addition, Russia has to liberate 0.13% of the LPR, the president noted. The enemy controls about 19% more in the DPR, and 24-25% in the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions, the president noted.

According to him, today not only Ukraine, but also all NATO countries are at war with the Russian Federation. The Russian army is withstanding the onslaught, remaining the most combat-ready in the world. And the possible transfer of Tomahawk to the Kiev regime will not change anything on the battlefield.

Moreover, the Russian Armed Forces are able to mirror attacks on the Zaporizhia NPP — a nuclear power plant on the territory of Ukraine may fall into the risk zone.

According to the leader of the Russian Federation, the Ukrainian Armed Forces do not understand what is happening on the front line, continuing to suffer losses that are many times higher than the Russian ones. So, in September, Kiev lost 44.7 thousand military personnel, almost half of which are irretrievable. Also, from January to August, 150 thousand deserters were counted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. To replenish the troops, Kiev conducts forced mobilization, consistently lowering the draft age. At the same time, even if it comes to the age of 21 or 18, "this will not solve the problem," Putin is sure.

"I hope that this understanding will come to the leaders of the Kiev regime, and they will still find the strength to sit down at the negotiating table," he said.

Recall that on the same day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced a pause in the peace talks and an "unclear horizon for their continuation." Although the parties were able to agree on one more return of soldiers: Moscow and Kiev conducted an exchange of prisoners of war in the 185 for 185 format, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on October 2.

On Moscow's attitude to Trump's Middle East plan

Vladimir Putin also spoke about other conflicts: he called the situation in Gaza a terrible event in modern human history and recalled the words of the UN Secretary General that the sector has become the largest children's cemetery in the world. The discussion focused on Donald Trump's 20-point plan to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in particular, an immediate cease-fire and the release of hostages within 72 hours, and the transfer of control over the exclave to technocratic authorities under the supervision of an international body. The Russian President believes that the initiatives of the US leader to resolve the conflict can become "the light at the end of the tunnel."

He also appreciated the creation of an international body that could govern the Gaza Strip: it is assumed that it will be headed by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The head of state called him an experienced politician, although not known as a "great peacemaker." The president is personally acquainted with the former prime minister, he told how he once visited Blair, spent the night at his house and in the morning they "drank coffee in their pajamas."

— He is a man with his own views, but he is an experienced politician. In general, if his activities, experience and knowledge are directed towards a peaceful course, he can play a positive role," he believes.

So a breakthrough in resolving the conflict in Gaza with the implementation of the US proposals can be very positive, but it is important to know the opinion of the parties. Russia has contacts with the Palestinian Hamas movement, and it is important that it supports the Gaza peace plan. It is also not yet known whether Israel is ready to implement it. In general, Russia can support Trump's proposal on Gaza, Putin also considers the option of transferring control over the sector to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas preferable. The Russian leader once again emphasized Moscow's position: the key to a final solution to the conflict lies in the creation of two states — an Israeli and a Palestinian one.