Sochi, Oct 3(HS): Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a series of sharp remarks on global security, the Ukraine conflict, and energy markets during his address at the annual Valdai Discussion Forum in Sochi, while also reiterating Moscow’s close ties with India.
On U.S. weapons supplies to Kyiv, Putin cautioned that deploying Tomahawk missiles would mark a “new stage of escalation” in relations with Washington. He mocked President Donald Trump’s description of Russia as a “paper tiger,” asking what that made NATO, given that Russian forces were continuing to advance along the frontlines.
Addressing Europe, the Russian leader denounced what he called “hysteria” among Western elites and signaled that Moscow would respond firmly to any military buildup, particularly in Germany. He criticized the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO as “a strategic mistake,” stressing that their previous neutrality had been an advantage.
On Ukraine, Putin said Russian troops maintain “strategic initiative” across most of the battleground while blaming a minority of European states for prolonging hostilities. He expressed gratitude to countries that pursued mediation efforts, including several BRICS members, Belarus, and the UAE.
The president also underscored Russia’s determination to safeguard its economic and energy position, stressing that cuts in Russian oil output would disrupt the global economy. He highlighted continued uranium exports to the United States, which he said remain profitable for both nations, and hinted at retaliation if European seizures of Russian oil tankers continued, calling such acts “piracy.”
In response to calls from Washington for India to reduce energy imports from Russia, Putin defended New Delhi’s stance. He insisted Prime Minister Narendra Modi would “never accept humiliation” and hailed India’s independent policy, affirming that energy cooperation between the two countries would continue.
The Russian leader also pointed to the fragile state of nuclear arms control, warning that if the United States abandoned the extension of New START limits, Moscow would respond in kind. He admitted Russia was prepared to consider resuming nuclear tests if other states did so first.Commenting on U.S.-Russia relations, Putin said disagreements were inevitable but expressed a willingness to restore “full-fledged” ties if handled with mutual respect.
He acknowledged that his recent summit with Trump in Alaska focused primarily on exploring ways to end the Ukraine crisis, while also briefly touching on bilateral relations.
With his remarks, the Russian president reinforced his dual message: Russia remains firmly positioned to counter Western pressure while seeking stronger cooperation with strategic partners like India and other non-Western nations.
—————
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
