Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed today, Friday, that the world is changing rapidly and will not return to its previous state in politics or economics. These statements were made during his press conference at the Russian Foreign Ministry building, on the sidelines of his meeting with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the working team within the ministry. Putin noted that the foundations of a multipolar global system are being formed based on the new reality, emphasizing that establishing principles of multipolarity in international affairs allows everyone to solve the most complex problems together.
In this context, Putin stated, "More and more countries are striving to enhance their sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and national and cultural identity, with countries from the South and East of the world leading this trend. The role of Africa and Latin America is increasing. We have always talked, since the Soviet era, about the importance of these regions in the world, but the dynamics today are entirely different."
Putin highlighted that Russia is observing increasing interest from countries in the BRICS format, affirming that Russia will facilitate the smooth integration of new participants in this organization. He also pointed out that Moscow is interested in developing dialogue within the United Nations about creating an indivisible security system.
Regarding another subject, Putin indicated that "Western powers led by the United States believed they had won the Cold War and could define the global system while responding to Russia with justifications." He added that Moscow has continuously offered constructive security solutions to its foreign partners, but all attempts have failed to find a response, emphasizing that reports about Russia wanting to attack Europe are speculative, asserting that this is absolute nonsense and a justification for the arms race, with the real danger to Europe coming from the United States.
Concerning Russian financial resources, President Putin stated that by stealing Russian assets and funds, the West and the Americans are taking another step towards destroying the system they themselves established. He clarified that distrust in Western currencies is increasing, and the world is realizing that anyone could be next. He emphasized that Europe could maintain itself as a center of development if it maintains good relations with Russia.
Putin noted that Russia's relations with several European countries have deteriorated now, but not due to Russia's fault. He stated: "The anti-Russia propaganda campaign, which involves high-profile European figures, is accompanied by speculations that Russia will attack Europe. I have talked about this several times, and there is nothing to repeat in this hall. We all understand that this is absolute nonsense, the only justification for the arms race."
During his meeting with the leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Putin added: "If Europe wants to remain as one of the independent centers of global development and the cultural and civilizational belts of the planet, it must, without a doubt, have good and friendly relations with Russia, and we, importantly, are ready for that."
He continued: "The danger to Europe does not come from Russia; the primary threat to Europeans lies in their critical and increasing dependence on the United States in military, political, technological, ideological, and informational fields. Europe is increasingly being pushed to the margins of global economic development, drowning in migration chaos and other pressing issues, and is deprived of international autonomy and cultural identity."
In commenting on multipolarity, Putin said: "Based on the new political and economic reality, the features of a multipolar and multilateral world order are being shaped today. This is an objective process. Affirming the principles of multipolarity and plurality in international affairs, including respect for international law and broad representation, allows us together to solve the most complex problems and build mutually beneficial relationships."
In a related context, Putin confirmed that the Euro-Atlantic security system has collapsed and a new system must be established. He commented: "The international community has a unique opportunity to build a reliable and just security system. This does not require much; just the simple ability to listen to the opinions of all interested parties and a mutual readiness to take them into account... We have consistently pointed out the error of the West's path... We are witnessing the collapse of Euro-Atlantic security. In fact, we need to rebuild it anew and outline the features of a new security in Eurasia."
Putin emphasized that in order to start negotiations, Ukraine must withdraw its troops from all the territories in the new regions of Russia, from the People's Republics of Luhansk and Donetsk, and the regions of Kherson and Zaporozhye. He indicated that fighting would cease immediately after the authorities in Kyiv agree to this condition. "As soon as Kyiv declares that it is ready for such a decision and begins the real withdrawal of troops from these areas, as well as formally notifies of its rejection of plans to join NATO, a ceasefire will immediately follow this, and negotiations will begin right away, literally at the same moment. I repeat, we will do this immediately... These are very simple conditions."
Putin stressed that Russia is today making another genuine peace proposal, but if the West and Kyiv reject this proposal, they will be responsible for the bloodshed. He also noted that in order to reach a peaceful settlement, Moscow needs Ukraine to be neutral, non-aligned, and free of nuclear weapons, with its disarmament and cleansing from Nazism. He confirmed that this was Russia's firm position, which "was generally agreed upon by all during the Istanbul negotiations in 2022."
