Kathrine Frich
Western officials and media have repeatedly portrayed Russia’s economy as weakened by sanctions and war.
The Kremlin has consistently rejected that narrative, and now President Vladimir Putin is turning the argument back on the West.
Power shift claims
Speaking in a video address to participants of the Open Dialogue international forum, Putin said Western countries are gradually losing their dominant role.
“Previous approaches and well-established norms and rules of business and international relations have been gradually slowing down, including because of actions by Western countries which are losing their leadership roles, giving way to new growth centers, to the Global South,” he said.
He argued that this reflects a broader transformation in how global power is distributed.
Rise of new centers
Putin said a more complex, multipolar system is emerging, with countries seeking greater independence in shaping their own development.
According to him, nations increasingly want to prioritise sovereignty and choose their own paths without external pressure.
He suggested that influence is shifting toward countries that emphasise national control over economic and political decisions.
Call for cooperation
The Russian president also stressed that global challenges cannot be addressed by any one country acting alone.
“Obviously, not a single country can develop on its own – either at the expense of other nations or to their detriment,” he said.
He added that cooperation and joint efforts are essential in responding to modern global issues.
Vision for future
Putin said a stable global system must be built on equality and mutual respect between nations.
“There can be a sustainable and fair model of global development only if it relies on the principles of equality and mutual respect and takes the interests of all countries into account,” he said.
“It is important to focus the entire global development platform so everyone anywhere on Earth can have the right to a successful future, choose their own path, and put their choice into practice step by step,” he added.
Sources: TASS
