Russian President Vladimir Putin doubled down on his assertion that Russia will triumph in the ongoing war with Ukraine, despite the uncertainty around when the conflict will end. Speaking at his official residence in Novo-Ogaryovo, near Moscow, Putin made it clear that Russia has no intentions of backing down, firmly blaming the United States and NATO for escalating the situation. He accused them of provoking the war by supporting Ukraine and using it as a pawn in a broader geopolitical game. "NATO is waging a war against us," Putin stated, reiterating his belief that Western military alliances are attempting to undermine Russia’s sovereignty and global standing.
Putin’s remarks came as the conflict with Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has dragged on longer than many had initially anticipated. While Western nations continue to provide military and financial support to Ukraine, Putin remains resolute in his belief that Russia will "prevail" in the conflict. He boasted of the advancements within the Russian military, claiming it is now one of the most technologically advanced forces globally, and expressed confidence that his country will emerge victorious despite the international pressure it faces.
In the context of international diplomacy, Putin specifically praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his balanced and non-Western approach to global politics. Putin referred to Modi as a "friend" and expressed his appreciation for India's efforts to mediate and de-escalate the situation. This acknowledgment comes at a time when India has maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, refusing to condemn Russia outright while also urging for dialogue and peace. Putin’s endorsement of Modi’s leadership is particularly significant as Russia continues to seek out allies that can offer it diplomatic and economic support amidst increasing Western sanctions.
Putin also took the opportunity to align with Modi's vision for BRICS, the economic bloc consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, which has recently expanded to include five more nations. He supported Modi's stance that BRICS is not an "anti-Western" bloc but rather a "non-Western" one, focused on creating a multi-polar world order. With the upcoming 16th BRICS Summit scheduled for October 22-23 in Kazan, Putin emphasized that the group should not be viewed as a traditional alliance or bloc, but rather as a collective of nations working toward greater economic cooperation and independence from Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank. Putin noted that BRICS now represents 24% of the global GDP and 41% of the world’s population, making it a significant force in shaping the future of the global economy. He also underscored that the organization remains open to accepting new members, and its continued development will benefit countries both within and outside the bloc.
On the subject of economic cooperation, Putin highlighted the ongoing discussions around a potential BRICS common currency. Although progress has been slow, Putin remained optimistic about its eventual realization, stating that such a currency would help BRICS members reduce their dependency on the US dollar and increase financial autonomy. He framed this move as part of a broader strategy to challenge Western financial dominance and to create alternative global economic structures.
Beyond military and economic topics, Putin also touched on cultural ties between Russia and India, noting the growing popularity of Indian films in Russia. He expressed a desire to further promote Indian cinema in his country, acknowledging the strong cultural connection between the two nations. This comes at a time when cultural diplomacy is seen as an essential tool for strengthening bilateral relations, especially between countries that share non-Western ideologies.
Putin's remarks were not limited to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He also addressed the ongoing crisis in Gaza, where escalating violence between Israel and Hamas has drawn global concern. Putin noted that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had been invited to BRICS-related discussions, further demonstrating Russia’s willingness to engage with diverse geopolitical issues and mediate in international conflicts. He expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause and cautioned against the further destabilization of the Middle East, which could have broader implications for global security.
Putin's comments reflect his broader strategy of positioning Russia as a key player on the global stage, not just through its military engagements, but also via economic cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and geopolitical alliances. His insistence that Russia will prevail in the Ukraine conflict is accompanied by a larger vision of reshaping the international order, challenging Western hegemony, and promoting a more multi-polar world where countries like India, China, and Russia have greater influence. Despite the ongoing war and sanctions, Putin remains determined to present Russia as a nation capable of weathering international isolation and forging new paths in global diplomacy.
As the conflict with Ukraine continues, and with the BRICS Summit approaching, the world will be closely watching how Russia maneuvers both on the battlefield and in the diplomatic arena. Putin’s remarks signal that he sees Russia’s future not as one of retreat or capitulation, but of perseverance and expansion, even in the face of mounting global challenges.
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