Putin Says Global Rules Are Changing

Putin said many existing international rules have been abandoned while new rules have yet to emerge.

He argued that the shift away from what he described as Western hegemony would eventually change the global situation, while warning that international conflicts are likely to continue regardless of future scenarios.

Putin also said many previously accepted limits are being violated and called for efforts to maintain global peace and security.

Putin Defends Russia’s Position on Ukraine

Putin rejected the claim that Russia started the war in Ukraine, saying Russia was forced to respond to what he described as aggression against it.

He accused Ukrainian authorities and Western countries of encouraging nationalism and what he called “Russophobia” in Ukraine. Putin also criticized NATO’s military expansion and accused Ukrainian forces of attacks against Russian-speaking people.

He said Russia would have preferred to end the conflict through peaceful negotiations and rejected claims that Moscow does not want negotiations.

Putin Criticizes NATO and Western Policy

Putin said NATO should not have expanded its military presence into territories that Moscow considers historically connected to Russia.

He also argued that Russia attempted to become part of Europe’s “civilized families” after the Soviet Union collapsed but claimed Western countries instead sought to weaken Russia.

Putin accused the former Soviet leadership of being too trusting toward Western governments and said this contributed to the Soviet Union’s collapse.

Putin Issues Nuclear Warning

Putin warned that a direct attack on Russia or Kaliningrad could raise the question of using Russia’s available weapons.

He said Russia is not trying to intimidate NATO but described Moscow’s warnings as responses to what he called attempts to intimidate Russia.

Putin also said Russia possesses weapons that he described as unmatched and warned European citizens that Russia would respond if it were attacked.

Putin Says Russia Does Not Plan to Attack Europe

Putin said Russia does not intend to attack European countries in 2029, 2030 or 2050.

However, he added that Russia would respond if it were attacked, saying European citizens should understand that position.

He also acknowledged that France and the United Kingdom possess nuclear weapons and said Moscow is aware of their capabilities.

Putin Warns of Possible Strikes on Ukraine's Supporters

Putin said he was not announcing plans to attack military-related enterprises in countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

However, he described such action as a potential threat and said Russia was monitoring the situation closely.

He also said Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries had produced some results and claimed they reduced Russia’s GDP by around 1%.

Russia Rejects Proposed Oil-for-Shipping Arrangement

Putin called a proposal to stop attacks on ships in exchange for ending Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries “absurd.”

His comments came while discussing attacks affecting shipping and Russia’s energy infrastructure.

Putin Discusses Iran and Nuclear Materials

Putin said Russia’s proposal to transfer enriched uranium from Iran to Russia remains valid.

He also praised what he described as the courage and resilience of the Iranian people.

Putin separately said Russia remains open to discussions aimed at limiting the arms race and claimed Moscow’s proposal for renewed dialogue has not received a response.

Putin Says Russia Will Continue Economic Adaptation

Putin acknowledged that Russia faces economic problems but argued that other countries are also dealing with difficulties.

He also said Russia is preparing to respond if Russian companies or assets are nationalized or taken over by foreign governments.

Putin said some enterprises have already been placed under temporary management but maintained that Russia has not begun nationalizing foreign assets on its side.

Putin Discusses Japan and Possible Trilateral Talks

Putin said Russia’s approach toward Japan has not changed, but claimed Japan’s attitude toward Russia has become more confrontational.

On a possible trilateral meeting, Putin said the participants would first need to establish a clear agenda and determine what issues would be discussed.

Putin Says Serbs Have Been Divided by Force

Putin described Serbs as a divided nation in Europe and argued that the division was imposed by force.

He called the situation unjust and also criticized several European countries, including Germany, over Russian-owned businesses and assets.

Putin Highlights Relations With China

Putin said his grandchildren speak Chinese and praised Chinese vehicles.

He predicted that Chinese cars would become increasingly common, describing them as high quality and affordable.

Putin on Russia’s Past and Future

Putin reflected on the collapse of the Soviet Union 35 years ago, describing it as a major tragedy for millions of people.

He said Russia should not remain focused only on past achievements and argued that a country’s strength depends on its ability to keep pace with technological and global changes.

He also warned that modern weapons possessed by major powers have the potential to destroy large numbers of people, saying there can be no certainty that such weapons will never be used.

Key Points

  • Putin said global conflicts are likely to continue as the international system changes.
  • He defended Russia’s actions in Ukraine and criticized NATO expansion.
  • Putin warned of possible use of Russia’s weapons if Russia or Kaliningrad were directly attacked.
  • He said Russia does not plan to attack Europe but would respond to an attack.
  • Putin warned countries supplying weapons to Ukraine that Russia is monitoring their activities.
  • He discussed Russia’s economic response to foreign seizures of Russian assets.
  • Putin said Russia remains open to arms-control discussions.
  • He praised Iran’s resilience and said Russia’s enriched-uranium proposal remains available.
  • Putin highlighted closer economic and cultural ties with China.
  • He said Russia remains open to discussions with Japan and possible trilateral talks.

Source

Statements attributed to Russian President Vladimir Putin.