Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed concerns on Tuesday about Western nations openly discussing readiness for conflict with Russia and escalating their military expenditures. Speaking to graduates of higher military educational institutions, Putin criticized the West for accusing Russia of various wrongdoings to justify their aggressive policies. He highlighted the West’s imposition of rules that conceal neo-colonialist ambitions and disrespect for sovereignty, emphasizing Russia’s dissatisfaction with such practices. Putin’s remarks were part of his address to participants of the 12th International Scientific and Expert Forum ‘Primakov Readings.’
Putin’s statement at the forum emphasized the discrepancy between Western advocacy for a rules-based world and their actual neocolonial ambitions, interference in sovereign states’ affairs, and attempts to dictate foreign policy priorities. He reiterated Russia’s stance in favor of a world order based on democratic principles, international law, respect for all nations’ sovereignty, and the freedom to choose development paths. The theme of the Primakov Readings, ‘A World Without Rules: A Power Game,’ was cited as accurately reflecting concerning trends in contemporary international relations.
