Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 5 delivered an important speech and answered a number of questions at the plenary session of the 20th Annual Conference of the Valdai Dialogue Club in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi.
Mr. Putin emphasized that Russia is the largest country and has the most territory in the world . “Therefore, we have no interest in conquering any more territories.”
The Russian leader pointed out in his speech that the war in Ukraine is not a war for territory, nor is it about achieving geopolitical balance.
“We are talking about something else here. We are talking about the principles that will underpin a new world order. And a lasting peace will only be established when people feel safe.”
Mr. Putin also reiterated that his country did not start the war in Ukraine, Russia's goal is to end this war, ensuring security for the Russian people and "those who consider Russia their Fatherland".
Since Russia launched its “special military operation” in Ukraine nearly 20 months ago, the West has imposed unprecedented sanctions targeting Moscow’s economy. But according to Mr. Putin, Russia has successfully weathered the “storm” of sanctions.
“We have handled this well so far and I have reason to believe we will continue to do so in the future,” he said. “A natural process of economic recovery has begun, just as it did after the 2014 food embargo.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the plenary session of the 20th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Dialogue Club, in Sochi, October 5, 2023. Photo: Sputnik
Unlike in Europe, the real incomes of Russians are growing despite increased defense and security spending, according to the Kremlin chief. Russia is leaving the fading European market and strengthening “its presence in developing markets in other parts of the world, including Asia.”
Europe is being forced to stop trading with Russia, even though the continent's prosperity depends on cheap energy supplies from Russia and access to the Chinese market, President Putin said.
On the prospect of Western support for Ukraine, Mr Putin said Washington was currently facing “delays in providing technical assistance to Ukraine”, but the Americans would find more money by printing money as they did during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“While we can see the US economy growing,” Europe’s real manufacturing sector “is in a very difficult situation,” the Russian president noted. “The burden on the population is increasing” because of aid to Ukraine.
But Ukraine will not survive without foreign help, Mr Putin stressed. It will stop unless it continues to receive $4-5 billion a month, and without Western arms supplies, Kiev “will survive only a week”.
Russia has always opposed Ukraine joining NATO, but has never opposed its membership in the EU. However, Ukraine’s economy is in trouble and its population has shrunk from 41 million to 19.5 million. If Brussels is willing to address the issue, “go ahead . ”
Minh Duc (According to TASS, Ukraine Watch)
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