Kathrine Frich
Putin has remained largely silent on foreign policy at the start of the year
Despite a series of major international developments affecting Russian interests abroad.
These include upheaval in Venezuela, a long-time ally and key oil partner.
That quiet ended on Thursday, when the Kremlin leader delivered his first public foreign policy remarks of the year, outlining a bleak view of the global order while sidestepping several flashpoints.
A darker world
Putin said the global environment had become more unstable, arguing that old conflicts were deepening while new ones were emerging.
He suggested this shift was widely acknowledged, adding that few could deny the worsening atmosphere.
“The situation on the international stage is getting worse and worse. I don’t think anyone could dispute this, old conflicts are intensifying, and new serious hotbeds of tension are emerging,” Putin said, smiling.
He criticised what he described as the behaviour of powerful states that rely on force and pressure.
“We are hearing a monologue from those who, invoking the right of force, consider it legitimate to impose their will, to lecture others and to issue orders,” he said.
Security and power
The Russian leader reiterated Moscow’s support for a multipolar world, presenting it as an alternative to Western dominance. “Russia is sincerely committed to the ideals of a multipolar world,” he said.
Putin also renewed calls for talks on a new European security framework, an idea Russia has promoted for years.
He said Moscow hoped other countries would eventually recognise the need for such discussions.
“We hope that recognition of this need will come sooner or later. Until then, Russia will consistently pursue its goals,” he said, according to Reuters.
Silence on crises
Despite the sweeping tone, Putin did not mention Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro was overthrown by the United States, a development with major implications for Russian interests.
He also avoided any reference to protests in Iran, another close partner of Moscow, and said nothing about Greenland, despite repeated threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to take control of the territory.
Reuters noted that these omissions stood out given Russia’s past involvement and rhetoric on all three issues.
Greenland dispute
While Putin stayed silent, Russia’s Foreign Ministry addressed the Greenland issue.
Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Western claims that Russia and China threaten the territory were unacceptable.
“First they invented the idea that there were some aggressors, and then they said they were ready to protect someone from these aggressors,” she said.
Asked by Reuters whether Russia had any intentions regarding Greenland, Zakharova replied: “Why don’t you ask Trump?”
She added: “There are no facts indicating aggressive plans by Russia and China, and there cannot be any,” calling the situation proof of the West’s double standards.
Sources: Reuters, HotNews.ro
