In a recent speech at the annual Valdai Club meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin elaborated on Russia's mission to construct a "new world."
He criticized the West for perpetuating a global "hegemony" and for always needing an adversary.
Russia as a peacemaker in Ukraine
According to Washington Examiner, Putin argued that Russia did not initiate the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but is instead working to resolve it.
"We haven’t started the so-called war in Ukraine. On the contrary, we’re trying to end it," the Russian leader said.
The Russian president also shifted the blame for the Ukrainian conflict onto the Kyiv government, stating that they started the war nearly a decade ago with direct support from Western nations.
Putin emphasized that the West has lost touch with reality and has crossed all boundaries, tracing these grievances back to the Cold War era.
Not territorial ambitions, but principles
He denied that Russia's actions in Ukraine are motivated by territorial ambitions. Instead, he framed the conflict as a struggle over the principles that will underpin the new world order.
Putin insisted that lasting peace can only be achieved when everyone feels safe and respected, and when there is a global balance of power.
