– I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as President of the United States. At a meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi, President Vladimir Putin has already said that we will cooperate with any head of state who enjoys the trust of the American people. His statement was quoted by Russia's Tass news agency.
However, according to Reuters, President Putin declared that he was open to dialogue with President Trump, as any way to facilitate an end to the Ukraine crisis deserves attention.
The Russian leader said he was impressed by Donald Trump's actions after the failed attempt on his life. He recognized the president-elect as a brave man.
Russia. President Vladimir Putin warns Western countries
In his speech, he spent a lot of time talking about the conflict in Ukraine. He said Western efforts to end the war were in vain.
“The call by Western countries to overthrow Russia, the country with the largest arsenal of weapons, shows the adventurism of politicians,” Putin said.
See also: Ukraine hid the existence of its own weapons for six months
The Russian president added: “[The West's]blind faith in its own country's impunity could develop into a global tragedy.”
President Putin said that Russia “has never initiated the use of force,” but said it would take any means necessary to protect itself if necessary.
“We do this only if we find that the other side is acting aggressively and will not accept any claims and will not take no for an absolute no,” the president said.
At the same time, President Vladimir Putin asserted that he does not perceive the West as an enemy and has no intention of imposing “his worldview” on anyone. He stressed that the level of sanctions was “incomparable in history,” but that despite this blow, Russia “did not allow defeat.”
See also: Putin was supposed to deliver a message to Trump. Media: Through friends
– The world needs Russia and no decision by the leaders in Washington or Brussels will change that, the Russian leader said, adding that Russia's presence is the key to the successful development of the world.
As President Vladimir Putin believes, Russia is fighting not only for sovereignty and rights, but also for freedom and development of most countries. He added that it is pointless to put pressure on Russia, but that Russia is always ready to come to an agreement that takes into account mutual benefits.
– There's no point in putting pressure on us. However, we are always willing to negotiate with full consideration of mutual interests. President Putin said that we call on and appeal to all participants to do so.
Russia. President Putin criticizes NATO, calling it an anachronism
President Vladimir Putin also touched on the topic of the North Atlantic Alliance, calling it an anachronism. He said the United States needs alliances to increase its influence.
See also: Is there a possibility of a conversation between President Trump and President Putin? Kremlin comments
He also said NATO had violated its own legal provisions by forcing Russia into a conflict with Ukraine.
– This is just a clear anachronism. We have talked many times about the destructive role played by NATO, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact, when the alliance seemed to have lost its previously proclaimed meaning. , President Putin said.
The Valdai International Discussion Club is an annual meeting of experts specializing in the study of Russian domestic and foreign policy. The club was founded in September 2004 on the initiative of the RIA Novosti organization, the Russian Foreign and Defense Policy Council, and the Moscow Times newspaper. This year's motto is “Sustainable peace – on what basis? Universal security and equal opportunity for development in the 21st century”.
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