All statements by Vladimir Putin
On Thursday, October 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the plenary session of the annual meeting of the Valdai Club in Sochi. The theme of the forum is “Fair multipolarity: how to ensure security and development for all.” «MK» will conduct an online text broadcast.
Putin thanked those gathered and said that he was looking forward to everyone at Valdai next year. The speech ended with the phrase: “The strengthening of a multipolar world is inevitable.”
«The future world order will certainly be based on a future economic system, which should be more balanced. Are there any prospects for this to happen? Judging by the way our opponents are behaving… They are clinging to their privileges. Many say that Bretton -The Woods system is outdated. Of course, it needs to be changed. This is the dominion of the dollar… This is already happening, it’s a matter of time.
But with their stubbornness and disregard for all other participants in the international community, the US economic authorities are shooting themselves in the foot . When they limit payments in dollars, we are forced to settle in national currencies.»
“Where should we stay (in the Northern Military District — “MK”)? It’s not about territories. It’s about guarantees of Russia’s security. This is much more important than some territories. I’m afraid to talk to your husband — he is, if not an extremist, then a person of extreme convictions. But We will discuss with you later.»
Margarita Simonyan reminds that she is an ethnic Armenian, and says that “normal Armenians” understand everything and still remember Griboyedov. But her question is about something else: where should Russia stop in the Ukrainian conflict zone.
Putin starts with Armenia and says that he does not agree with Simonyan that “Pashinyan was brought in by someone” — “it was the choice of the people.” Putin also assured that Pashinyan never intended to surrender Karabakh. “It’s unfair” about Pashinyan.
“And what happened to the management of the company (PMC Wagner? Well, we know about the plane crash. The head of the Investigative Committee reported to me the other day. These are the results of an examination carried out by the Investigative Committee. No examination was carried out. But after the well-known events, the FSB found no only billions, but also cocaine. It was necessary to conduct an examination, but they didn’t. I asked the leadership of the Investigative Committee, is it possible to talk about this? It is possible.»
Putin — about the situation on the contact line on SVO:
«We do not yet have a consensus on whether we need such companies (PMCs). The experience was so clumsy because it was not based on the law. It was based on the current situation on the battlefield. The Ministry of Defense proposed (to use PMCs in the North Military District), I did not object. But several thousand people from this (Wagner) company have already signed contracts with the Ministry of Defense. But there is no contract — there are no social obligations of the state. The money was paid in cash… How is that in cash? » Putin also said that not all Wagner participants received large incomes — as management.
Moderator question about the Wagner PMC. “I wanted to end on a positive note, but they didn’t let me.” “This is a journalistic name — about PMCs.”
Putin talks about how Russians believe in the greatness of Russia. An example is contract soldiers and volunteers in the Northern Military District, «And this is a manifestation of people's trust in the policies of the Russian state.»
A question from Alexander Prokhanov about what the greatness of Russia is. «Russia's greatness is based on sovereignty. And sovereignty is based on self-sufficiency. In economics, finance, education, defense capability… Only because of self-confidence. Why? They started trying to finish off. This led us to the only choice — to strengthen sovereignty. Those people who brought up to today's stage, the confrontation is already heated. They achieved the opposite result.»
Putin noted Prokhanov’s patriotism.
“As for the supply of our gas to Moldova, one of the officials said that Moldova no longer buys Russian gas. He was surprised, because it was the Moldovans who asked us for such pricing. And we agreed. I asked Miller. “No, no.” , as we supplied, so we deliver.»
A question from Kyrgyzstan about the prospect of creating a “water and energy union” with the countries of the region. “We were asked to think about starting the supply of Russian gas to these countries, without these supplies it is difficult. Our Kazakhstani friends implemented a plan to restore their part of the pipeline. Gazprom also reconfigured it. Because in Soviet times gas was supplied in one direction, now in the other These are all issues that can be resolved, but we must not forget about the environment.»
A question from the representative of Moldova about the country's role after the completion of the SVO. «It depends on the people of Moldova. If the people of Moldova vote for those people who want to give up part of their national interests, then they will trail behind.»
Question from the grandson of General De Gaulle about relations between the Russian Federation and France. “For us, the hero is not Marshal Pétain, but General De Gaulle and the pilots of the Normandie-Niemen squadron.”
“We discussed the issue of creating a single BRICS currency. Theoretically, this is possible. We need to achieve parity in our economies. This is a very long-term prospect.”
. «Currency is a derivative of the power of the country's economy. The share of the American economy in world GDP is declining. These are obvious things. The share of the BRICS countries in terms of purchasing power parity, compared to the G7, is increasing. Yes, the US and EU economies are based on modern technologies, incomes are per capita higher. But what a trend! Even after the blows to the Russian economy — they expected that Russia would collapse — we not only overcame all the difficulties of 2022, but also came away with a positive result. 3% growth.»
The question is whether Putin still has friends in Germany. «There are friends, and their number is growing.» Applause. Question: at the expense of those who have already been talked about — the ultra-right? Putin does not specify. About ex-Chancellor Schröder: “Germany should be proud of people like him. He is a true son of his people.”
“Today’s European elites cannot and are not ready to fight for their interests (against the USA)”
«The United States is making a colossal strategic mistake. Now they are putting pressure on their allies, and then AFD raises its head because no one is looking after the interests of Europe.»
The question is, is there a line between the EU and NATO: «The EU is not the NATO military bloc is an instrument of US foreign policy.»
On Ukraine's accession to the EU: «If we are ready to take such an economy (of Ukraine) for ourselves — well, let them take it. We have never been against it.»
Putin on arms supplies to Ukraine: “Supplies will stop tomorrow — we’ll only have a week to live. Yes, they’re already running out in the West. They say that everything has already been delivered. Now it’s up to Ukraine — let them counter-offensive. At any cost.”
Question from MK columnist Mikhail Rostovsky: does Russia now object to Ukraine’s plans to join the EU. “We have never objected. About NATO — yes, we have always been against it. This is a military-political bloc, the approach of infrastructure poses a threat to us. As for economic unions, we do not even consider ourselves to have the right to discuss this topic.”
“The cause of the Ukrainian crisis was the irrepressible desire of the global West to expand NATO.” But the West is trying to do the same thing in Asia, Putin added. “We are not going to create any blocs (with China), but we are forced to react.”
“Cooperation between Russia and China is a very important stabilizing factor.”
The question is whether it is time to reconsider the attitude towards the revolution of 1917 and other communist revolutions in the world. “We need to give correct assessments of the ideologization of processes. But it is wrong to indiscriminately throw into the dustbin of history everything that happened under the leadership of communist parties.” «Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China's power is growing. China's growing power is what scares (the United States), not human rights.»
Question about Algeria's membership in BRICS: «Algeria is our friend, of course. That would go for the benefit of the organization. But we must work out the issue with our BRICS friends.»
Putin is asked whether he feels “deprived” due to the reduction in travel around the world, in particular about. “Why should I create any problems for our friends? If (I) came, political shows would start there to disrupt the event. Why?” Putin assured that he was not offended by the President of South Africa, “he is our friend.”
“The economy of the BRICS countries before expansion was more than 51% of world GDP. The G7 economy was smaller. Now the BRICS economy has become even larger. Open areas therefore more valuable.»
Question about the G20. Putin again compliments India — in particular, that it is an ancient civilization. But so does Russia, he added. He further praises the Indian authorities, especially Prime Minister Modi, for their work within the G20 and the past forum in Delhi. «It was possible to depoliticize decisions. This platform was originally created to discuss economic, not political issues.»
The question of Serbia and Russia, they say there is pressure on Serbia because of Russia. «In the 90s, Russia was ready to make any sacrifices in order to build relations with Western countries. What did we get? Support for terrorism in the Caucasus.» «Lack of education or something (in the West). Lack of understanding of how the world works. The desire to crush «. Sanctions are also a force, only of a different form. Serbia also wanted to come to an agreement. But no, we need to add pressure. I have heard this many times that “we need to put pressure on us.” Why exactly the Serbs? You can destroy them, but you cannot add more and subjugate Serbs.»
«The fighting itself (in Ukraine) began in 2014. But in Japan they preferred not to notice this. If you (Japan) think that the time has come to open this window, well, do it. We don’t mind.»
The question of the absence of a peace treaty with Japan, relations between the two countries and stalled negotiations, including against the backdrop of the Northeast Military District. Moderator: “Today there’s a lot about windows.” Putin: .
«We have very good relations with Iraq. And we welcome the (upcoming) visit of the Prime Minister to Russia.»
«We ourselves treat everyone with respect» — This is how Putin answered a question about conflicts in the Middle East, in particular in Syria, where the parties, according to the questioner, respect the Russian Federation as a mediator.
“We hear that we are aggressors. But, apparently, there is no smell of money; they receive money for transit (through Ukraine).” Applause in the hall. When asked why continue transit through Ukraine and pay for it, strengthening the “defense capability of the enemy,” Putin replies that “this is how we strengthen our financial well-being.”
Putin said that Russia’s offshore gas pipelines “are constantly being attacked with the help of drones,” and are involved in this is “English-speaking specialists.”
“One branch of the Nord Stream remains. It is possible to supply gas to Europe through it. This is only a question for the German government. We turn the valve and the gas flows. But the Washington regional committee does not allow it.”
The question of undermining the Nord Streams. Putin says that even before the explosions, US President Biden promised to do everything possible to stop the export of Russian hydrocarbons. “And he smiled meaningfully.” “This is an act of global terrorism. There are no results of the investigation. Who is interested? Who benefits. The Americans achieved this, but by whose hands is not important.”
Now a guest from Germany asks Putin about far-right parties, including German ones , and their relations with Russia, which confuse the Germans, because Russia declares denazification in the Northern Military District.
“And what confirms that they are based on some kind of fascist principles? The President of Ukraine applauded the Nazi. Isn’t this a sign that a system has developed in Ukraine that we call Nazi? Isn’t this a sign of nazification? Doesn’t this give us the right to talk about denazification? (About far-right parties in Germany) And those who come to these rallies (with fascist themes) are they all representatives of the parties?” Putin also recalls the attempt on the life of the AFD leader, who was allegedly attacked with a syringe. “Aren’t these fascist methods?”
It was also due to the mistakes of the Hungarian leadership, and the militants were trained, transferred… As for the withdrawal of troops. . There was no point in keeping troops there if the people of these countries did not want to see them on their territory. But how this happened, of course, raises many questions. Our troops went into an open field, with their families. This is fine? There were no legal consequences either.»
Putin speaks of a connection between Russia and Europe, “based on Christian culture,” but “they are mercilessly tearing out their roots.”
Putin talks about how Russia now sells its oil to other countries at a discount, while European countries buy it at a higher price from the United States. “We made decisions with our own hands to our own detriment. Well, why do we need such a partner.”
Answering a question from a Hungarian, Putin again talks about the economic and other problems of Europe. “Many European leaders, the Europeans themselves, say that Europe has lost its sovereignty. The United States provoked the Ukrainian crisis by supporting the coup in 2014, climbed in. Europe was forced to immediately fall behind and follow his policy. Switch to a policy of sanctions. It was forced. And now all energy resources buys from the USA.»
The guest from Hungary says that this time he will not ask Putin “what will happen to Odessa.” Now he wants to ask about relations between the Russian Federation and Europe, and also admits that he is unpleasant to hear how some people propose to “subject European cities to atomic bombing.” He also says that Medinsky’s new history textbook caused discontent in Hungary due to its description of the events of 1956.
Putin begins with Odessa: “This is a Russian city, but also a little bit Jewish.” Next — about Europe: “The world is changing, and climbing all the time through the window (in Europe) is tearing your pants. Why climb through the window if there are other doors? We are not going to impose ourselves on Europe. We are not the ones slamming the door, it is Europe that is fencing itself off from us, Europeans are creating a new Iron Curtain at their own expense.»
“Everyone applauded this Nazi. Especially the president of Ukraine, in whose veins Jewish blood flows. Does he want to say that the Holocaust did not happen? This is disgusting. All means are good, as long as they fight against Russia. Such people.” Putin hopes that world public organizations will condemn what happened.
«We treat Canada with respect no matter what. But if he (the speaker of the Canadian Parliament) does not know that this man fought for Hitler, then he is an idiot «. There is laughter and applause in the hall. «And if he knows, then he is a scoundrel. Either this or that.» More applause.
Putin tells how Hitler created an SS division in 1943, which included the Nazi Hunka (Gunka), who was recently mistakenly invited to the Canadian Parliament, which led to resignations. He also talks about the decisions of the Nuremberg Tribunal and then quotes the Speaker of the Canadian Parliament in his welcoming speech to Hunke.
Putin is asked a question, along the way saying that Canada “forgot how much Russia did to fight Nazism.” There is a slight pause, the moderator explains to Putin what exactly the question was about.
“We are confidently moving towards achieving our goals (in Ukraine) and I am confident that we will achieve them.”
Putin says that since the start of the counter-offensive, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have lost 90 thousand people.
Not ready to say whether we should or should not conduct (nuclear) tests. But it is possible to behave in a mirror manner with the United States (which has not ratified). But «.
I hear calls to return to nuclear weapons testing… The United States has signed a treaty banning nuclear weapons testing. And Russia signed and ratified. And the United States signed but did not ratify. Now we have almost finished working on modern types of strategic weapons, which I announced several years ago. . It is necessary to complete some procedures bureaucratically, move on to mass production and putting them on combat duty. We will do it in the near future.»
Putin says he understands the patriots who are now worried: “We treat you with respect.” But there is no need to change the nuclear doctrine.
“Do we need to change this (the nuclear doctrine of the Russian Federation)? Why? Everything can be changed, but… There is nothing that would threaten the existence of the Russian Federation. I think no one would think of using nuclear weapons against Russia.”
The question about the nuclear doctrine of the Russian Federation and “Russia’s partners who have become insolent” was asked by a Valdai veteran, who a minute earlier told Putin that his life had become more fun.
“I understand your feelings. In Russian military doctrine, there are two reasons for the possible use of nuclear weapons: the first is the use against us, in response. All this happens in seconds, so that everyone understands. Knowing that a strike is being struck, we respond. I want to assure, that the answer is absolutely unacceptable for any aggressor. So many hundreds… Hundreds! of nuclear missiles appear in the air that the enemy will have no chance. And the second reason for the use of such weapons is the threat to the existence of the Russian state even without nuclear weapons.»
< p>. So Putin joked about a phrase from one of the Valdai veterans, who said that today he has more fun than 20 years ago, when the club was created.
Next, Putin tells how the United States and allies “without UN sanctions” began to bomb Belgrade. .
A question about the UN, created after World War II, and the changing conditions in the world today. “Norms must change in accordance with the changing world. We can say that the UN and modern law are outdated and are subject to demolition and something new needs to be created. But there is a danger that we will eliminate the existing system of law and not create anything new, and there will be chaos. We must follow the path of changes in international law in accordance with realities. There must be countries in the Security Council that gain weight.» Putin explains that he is talking about India, “it is a global giant,” although “there are still many people in need of help.” Putin praises Prime Minister Modi. Also — South Africa.
Putin was asked about competition with China in economic and logistics projects. «One project harmoniously complements the other.»
The question of the “cleansing” of the Armenian functionaries of Karabakh into Azerbaijan, in particular, about Vardanyan. «He renounced our citizenship.» “They don’t want to see them in Yerevan either. But I hope that Azerbaijan will proceed from considerations of a humanitarian nature.”
“We have people there who died defending the Armenians of Karabakh. Our peacekeepers. We provided humanitarian and medical assistance. We ensured their exit.»
Putin says that for years he tried to persuade Armenia to compromise with Azerbaijan. “But no, we were told we couldn’t do that.” He says that in 2020 he also offered options to “our friends and colleagues”, “I thought that the issue had been resolved,” but the Armenian side demanded the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops. After that, he said, Russia continued to help and brought in peacekeepers, but they only had the right to “observe the ceasefire, that’s all.” Armenia wanted to fight, says Putin. Then, Putin said, Armenia signed an agreement with Azerbaijan on Karabakh and recognized the region behind it, “Karabakh left,” and then Azerbaijan “began to establish constitutional order.” “How else should we react to this? No, but we don’t recognize it? This is nonsense.”
Putin — about the words of Western politicians about the “betrayal of Armenia by Russia”: “Whose mare would moo…”
The question of «militarization of the economy.» “Our defense and security expenditures have approximately doubled. But at the same time, we have a budget surplus. A completely healthy budget. We spend excessively on guns and forgot about butter — this is not so. All social obligations of the state are fully fulfilled.”< /p>
And in Europe they have fallen, Putin added.
“We have a stable, stable situation, we have overcome all the problems after the sanctions and have begun a new stage of development on a new basis.”
< p>Question: But in Russia the budget is also not rubber… “We are coping so far and there is reason to believe that we will cope in the future.” Putin talks about good indicators in the economy: record low unemployment, budget revenues, “structural restructuring of the economy has naturally begun.” This refers to import substitution.
Putin says whether Ukraine will cope with the reduction in aid from the United States: “They will cope, I don’t see any problems. But there is a problem. If in the United States the hitch is of a political and technical nature. They will find money and print more dollars. As for Europe, the situation here is more complicated, there In 2021, economic growth was 4.9%, this year it will be 0.5%.» Europe can help Ukraine only through further deterioration of the economy, Putin believes.
Putin: “Yes, of course, civilization is not territory, but people. And in Donbass: the main thing is the protection of people. In Donbass — I don’t know what civilization those on the other side are defending, we are defending our civilization and our people.»
Putin is asked about his phrase that “Russia’s border does not end anywhere.” Putin replies that he said this to the US President long ago in Novo-Ogarevo as a joke. “Of course, what we mean is that there are many of our compatriots living all over the world, just like other civilizations have no borders. How many representatives of China and India live all over the world…”
Putin thanks the organizers of the event and leaves the podium. Now — answers to the questions.
«Russia has been and will be ready for tough opposition to those who profess the principles of dictatorship and violence. We are confident that a multipolar world will establish itself.»
«We for equality.»
«We are for justice for all. The era of exploitation is in the past.»
«We are for universal security in the interests of all. Free international relations from bloc approaches and the legacy of the colonial era.»
» We want to live in an open, interconnected world in which no one will erect barriers in front of people. We want the diversity of the world to be the foundation. Imposing on people how to live, how to feel should be prohibited. We are for maximum representation. The world of the future is a world of collective decisions «.
About Iran and the nuclear program. “One administration pushed through, another came, and everything was turned around. But how to work? It’s some kind of nonsense.” Putin talks about the “self-interest” of successive “influence groups.” And the civilizational approach is opposed to this approach, because it thinks globally and about the future, Putin explained.
“The West is trying to push through its interests at any cost. If this is their choice, let’s see what they can do.”
“You cannot betray your civilization to anyone. It is unnatural. And disgusting, I would say.”
“Civilization does not impose anything. But it also does not allow anything to be imposed on itself.”
Putin with reference on philosophers tells the Valdai participants what civilization is. He speaks about the “values of the people.”
“In the foreign policy concept, our country is characterized as a distinctive country-civilization.” “There are many civilizations, none of them is better or worse than the other.”
“This is some kind of nonsense, nonsense. What are the rules? Our Western colleagues, especially from the United States, not only set the rules, but also teach how to behave. Everything is done in a boorish manner. These are manifestations of colonial thinking. Who are you anyway?” There is applause in the hall. “It’s time to get rid of this mentality of colonial rule.”
Putin praises the Indian authorities for their independence, although, according to him, the West is now trying to “flirt” with this country. Putin says that Western politicians are trying to “blind an enemy” out of Muslims, China.
— this is how Putin describes the actions of the West, which, according to him, always needs some kind of enemy. “They are ready to create the image of an enemy out of everyone who is not ready to follow the Western elites.”
Putin talks about the huge territory of the Russian Federation. «We still have to master and master. This is not a territorial conflict.» But a special operation is needed in order to counter Western aggression, he explained.
Putin speaks of a hegemon that has “lost a sense of reality” — “our counterparties in the West have lost a sense of reality. In vain.”
«We didn't stage a coup d'etat. We weren't the ones who tried to force the Donbass into obedience through shelling and bombing. But you know what really happened.»
«Russia's calls were ignored.» “Your humble servant made a proposal, perhaps, to join NATO. But no, NATO does not need such a country.”
“The well-being of the West was largely ensured by the robbery of the colonies. This is a fact.”
«Attempts to establish a monopoly are doomed to failure.»
«No one was going to listen to us, no one wanted to. The arrogance of our partners in the West was simply off the charts.»
“Russia overcame the most difficult period after the collapse of the USSR. We got involved in the creation of a new, as it seemed to us, fair world order. Unfortunately, some misunderstood our readiness for constructive interaction.”
Putin: “By historical standards, the period is 20 years are not that long» — we are talking about the age of Valdai. He talks about changes in the country and the world that are accelerating events.
Putin talks about the importance of holding Valdai and its role. “We are essentially faced with the task of building a new world.”
Putin on stage.
Let's begin. The moderator is on stage, greeting the audience: “It’s a great honor. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is present.”
Apparently, those insiders were right who spoke about the start of the performance closer to 17:00 Moscow time. In the hall, everyone has been sitting in their seats for almost an hour, no one has left.
All the seats in the hall are occupied, the guests are waiting. Most pass the time by looking at the screens of tablets and smartphones. No one on stage yet.
Peskov announced Putin’s speech as very important because the president does not often “give a detailed assessment of the situation in the world, the place of Russia and the trends that will shape tomorrow,” as they said in the Kremlin pool. And they added that the events of Valdai are traditionally followed by the whole world.
In the hall they announced over the loudspeaker that “soon we will start our conference” and asked to take a seat and turn off the sound of the phones. At first the announcement was made in English, only then in Russian. Almost all participants are already in place.
A number of sources claim that Putin will begin his speech at 17:00, but others report that there is less time left to wait.
At the end of September, the director of scientific work of the development fund and support for Valdai, political scientist Lukyanov previously stated that the club’s inclusion in Canada’s sanctions list on September 23 “will not in any way affect” its work.
Before Putin's speech at the Valdai Discussion Club, a line formed at the entrance to the hall.
Putin's speech is expected shortly after 16:00, sources say.
*****
Last year the Valdai Forum took place at the end of October, and Putin also took part in the discussion, speaking to the audience on the last day of the events. Then the President of the Russian Federation stated that “Russia, being an independent, distinctive civilization, has never considered and does not consider itself an enemy of the West,” and also that “Americanophobia, Anglophobia, Francophobia, Germanophobia are the same forms of racism as Russophobia and anti-Semitism, however , as well as any manifestations of xenophobia.»
Putin stated that Russia was trying to improve relations with the West and, in particular, with NATO.
In 2022, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said , that the president highly values communication within the discussion club and its work in general.
Today, a few hours before Putin’s speech began, Peskov said that this, as always, would be a global event.