Afrasianet - Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at the 22nd plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Forum in Sochi on Thursday evening. Here are his key remarks: 

Putin: Everything is changing so rapidly these days. 

Putin: Never before have countries on the world stage sought to influence the global situation.

 Putin: The collapse of hegemony is only a matter of time. Putin: We must be prepared for all eventualities. 

Putin: Multipolarity is a direct result of the West's attempts to maintain its global hegemony. 

Putin: Russia has twice declared its readiness to join NATO and was rejected. 

Putin: The world faces many dangers, and the time for dictation is over. 

Putin: Any solutions in the world are possible only on the basis of agreements.

Putin: At the end of the 20th century, the power of the United States and its allies reached its peak, but there is no power, and there will never be, capable of dominating the world. 

Putin: All attempts to dictate what other countries should do have failed. 

Putin: Russia was ready to work together with Western partners, but they have shown no willingness to abandon stereotypes. 

Putin: Russia has set a record number of sanctions imposed against it, but all these efforts have failed. Putin: There is no global balance without Russia. 

Putin: We have demonstrated effectiveness in resisting unprecedented challenges. 

Putin: The West is deceiving its citizens by escalating tensions. 

Putin: Western countries are trying to impose their absolute hegemony, and any unilateral decision in the world that does not take into account the interests of others is impossible. 

Putin: Despite escalating conflicts, the world remains integrated and interconnected. Putin: Some countries want to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia and force its people to suffer. It is time for them to calm down. 

Putin: I hope that the inevitability of the plan to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia will reach the most obtuse obstinacy.

Putin: The myth European politicians are spreading about the possibility of war with Russia is nonsense. 

Putin: We are closely monitoring the militarization of Europe, and this is a matter of our security. 

Putin: If anyone wants to compete with Russia militarily, let them try. 

Putin: We will respond with a crushing response to any threats to our country. 

Putin: European countries should not provoke Russia because the results will not be good for them. Putin: Russia cannot be defeated strategically. 

Putin: I agree with the theory that if Trump were in power, the conflict in Ukraine could have been avoided. 

Putin: The West does not feel sorry for the Ukrainian people; they are an expendable people. 

Putin: The responsibility for the failure to stop the fighting in Ukraine lies primarily with Europe. Putin: For other countries, the situation in Ukraine is a means of expanding their control and reaping profits. 

Putin: There are changes in public awareness in Ukraine, despite the brainwashing of the Ukrainian authorities. Putin: The desire of all countries to ensure their security is legitimate, and this applies to both Ukraine and Russia. Putin: There is no need to provoke Russia. Every time something similar has happened, it has ended badly for the instigator. 

Putin: The desire of countries to ensure their security is legitimate, and this applies to both Ukraine and Russia. Putin: Russia will never show weakness or hesitation. Putin: The situation in the Middle East is deteriorating, and the West has been unable to provide a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. 

Putin: The Palestinian-Israeli conflict cannot be resolved according to the Western formula. 

Putin: The United Nations has many problems, but there is nothing better than the United Nations. 

Putin: The United Nations must be reformed. 

Putin: The United Nations has great potential, but the question is how countries use it. 

Putin: Multipolarity signals a return to classical diplomacy to resolve conflicts. 

Putin: For other countries, the situation in Ukraine is a means of expanding their sphere of influence and making money. 

Putin: The world needs common support, and these are the national values that civilization has created over the centuries. 

Putin: The dissolution of the Soviet Union was linked to the Russian leadership's desire to avoid ideological confrontation. 

Putin: The bilateral problems between Russia and Ukraine are an objective consequence of the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Putin: The Soviet Union played a decisive role in the victory over Nazism, and we are proud of that. 

Putin: If the conflict in Ukraine had been resolved according to the principles of a multipolar world, the collective decision would have been more balanced. 

Putin: If NATO had not approached Russia's borders, the conflict in Ukraine could have been avoided. 

Putin: There are positive results from the communication between Russia and the current US administration. 

Putin: We have many points of disagreement with the current US administration, and we are working to reach compromises. 

Putin: The current US administration is primarily concerned with its national interests, and we have the right to do so as well. 

Putin: The ruling elites in Europe are stirring up hysteria and saying that war with Russia is imminent. Putin: We are closely monitoring statements about Germany's strong army. 

Putin: We are working to establish alternative organizations to discuss international issues based on mutual respect and dialogue. 

Putin: All NATO countries are fighting Russia, and there are NATO trainers in Ukraine participating in the fighting. This is a serious challenge for Russia. 

Putin: NATO countries are providing Ukraine with intelligence, weapons, and training. 

Putin: We are developing reconnaissance and electronic warfare systems, and there are rapid changes in this field. Putin: The influence of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS in the world is growing. 

Putin: The BRICS countries are natural partners, and common interests have brought them together in a single organization. 

Putin: Through all the ups and downs, Russia has proven that it was, is, and always will be. 

Putin: The development of unmanned systems is bringing significant changes to the military sphere. 

Putin: Tanks on the battlefield are now used not to achieve breakthroughs, as happened during the Great Patriotic War, but to support the infantry.

 Putin: The courage, bravery, and heroism of the Russian soldier remain unchanged, and we are proud of that. 

Putin: The Russian defense industry has quickly adapted to challenges. 

Putin: The Russian army today is the most defensively capable. 

Putin: Russia has no aggressive intentions toward third countries. 

Putin: The goal of the Russian Ministry of Defense is to ensure the country's security. 

Putin: Russia has a Ministry of Defense, not a Ministry of War, and this is what we rely on. 

Putin: Russian forces are advancing confidently along the entire line of contact. 

Putin: We are advancing along the entire Ukrainian front and are working to establish a security zone. 

Putin: The town of Kirovsk in the Donetsk People's Republic is now under the full control of the Russian Armed Forces. 

Putin: The Vostok Group of Forces is confidently and rapidly advancing in the northern part of the Zaporizhia region and parts of the Dnipropetrovsk region. 

Putin: The losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are greater than their ability to replace personnel. Putin: Two-thirds of the city of Kupyansk are now under the control of our forces. 

Putin: I don't know if Trump was being sarcastic when he said that Russia is just a paper tiger. Putin: Come on, try to deal with the "paper tiger." 

Putin: If Russia is a paper tiger, then what is NATO? Putin: Russia is not engaging in forced mobilization. 

Putin: Lowering the conscription age will not solve the problems of the Ukrainian army. Putin: The Russian army is currently at the peak of its combat readiness. 

Putin: There are 150,000 deserters in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Putin: It would be best for Kyiv to consider initiating negotiations, taking into account the losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 

Putin: I hope Ukraine will find the strength to come to the negotiating table. 

Putin: The losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in September amounted to 44,700, of which nearly half are irrecoverable.

Putin: The elite in Ukraine are not fighting; they are sending their citizens to be slaughtered. 

Putin: Our relationship with Trump is special, and we know what we have to offer each other. 

Putin: The situation in Gaza is a horrific event in modern human history. 

Putin: Russia is generally ready to support Trump's proposal to resolve the conflict in the Gaza Strip. 

Putin: The two-state solution is the guarantee for a final solution to the Palestinian conflict. 

Putin: Transferring control of the Gaza Strip to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is the best option. 

Putin: Russia has contacts with Hamas, and it is important for it to support the peace plan for Gaza. 

Putin: The Gaza issue is related to the opinion of the Palestinians, including Hamas. 

Putin: The Israeli strike on Qatar was a surprise. 

Putin: Tony Blair can play a positive role in resolving the conflict in the Gaza Strip. 

Putin: It is important to see how Palestine views proposals to resolve the conflict in Gaza. 

Putin: There are several questions regarding the administration of the Gaza Strip by an international body, the most important of which are how long this administration will continue to operate, how it will operate, and to whom power will be transferred afterward. 

Putin: Citizens of Western countries, especially Europe, have submitted approximately 2,000 applications for Russian citizenship. 

Putin: It doesn't matter where a person comes from, if they share our values, they are one of us. 

Putin: Michael Glos, who was killed in the special operations zone, despite being American, was a Russian soldier. 

Putin: Michael Glos, as he lay bleeding, tried to offer assistance to his Russian comrade-in-arms. 

Putin: The United States raising tariffs on countries that trade with Russia will lead to higher prices and a slowdown in the US economy itself. 

Putin: India will suffer losses if it abandons Russian energy sources.

 Putin: India's losses from sanctions will be similar to those resulting from abandoning Russian energy sources, so why abandon them? 

Putin: The Indian Prime Minister will not make any concessions regarding US tariffs. 

Putin: The United States buys uranium from Russia.

 Putin: Nuclear energy in the United States is highly developed and requires a lot of fuel. 

Putin: Russia earned about $800 million from selling uranium to the United States last year and is ready to continue reliable supplies. 

Putin: We expect our uranium exports to the United States to exceed $1 billion this year. 

Putin: The refusal to accept Russian gas in Europe has led to the closure of fertilizer plants, accelerating inflation and bringing people into the streets. 

Putin: Ukraine continues to launch strikes around the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, but there have been no strikes on the plant itself.

Putin: Ukrainian strikes around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant are a very dangerous practice, and it is best to stop them. 

Putin: Kyiv should consider the presence of a nuclear power plant on its territory, and that Russia may respond in kind to strikes targeting the Zaporizhzhia plant. 

Putin: Before Rafael Grossi's arrival, Ukraine launched an artillery strike on the power supply towers of the plant. Maintenance teams are unable to fully operate because the plant is within artillery range. 

Putin: The Zaporizhzhia plant is currently being reliably supplied with electricity using generators. 

Putin: IAEA Director General Grossi is fully aware of the situation at the Zaporizhzhia plant. 

Putin: Overall, the situation is under control. Russia is taking measures to protect the plant. 

Putin: Ukrainian sabotage groups have repeatedly cut the power lines leading to the Kursk nuclear plant, which constitutes terrorist acts in essence. 

Putin: China and India, unlike Europe, will never become a "bull" under the "planet Jupiter" of the United States. Putin: The European Union is a powerful cultural center, but it is in decline. 

Putin: The recession in the European Union's economy is nothing new and will continue into next year. 

Putin: Uncontrolled migration is eating away at the European Union from within. 

Putin: Europe will continue to shrink and disintegrate.

Putin: The European Union has entered a phase of stagnation, and economic crises will inevitably affect the sovereignty of its countries. 

Putin: Nationalist-oriented political forces are gaining increasing momentum in the European Union. 

Putin: The ban on the supply of Russian oil and gas to Europe is partly linked to the loss of sovereignty, and when sovereignty is lost, everything collapses. 

Putin: France's interception of a Russian ship in neutral waters is piracy. 

Putin: My relationship with Macron is actually good and practical. 

Putin: I don't know how closely the tanker detained in France is connected to Russia. 

Putin: The difficult domestic political situation in Paris is the reason behind France's seizure of the oil tanker. 

Putin: I didn't speak with Trump in Alaska about bilateral relations; the discussion was only about the Ukrainian settlement. 

Putin: Russian-American relations are not just at a standstill, but at their lowest point in history. 

Putin: Trump loves provocation, but he is good at listening and understanding, and he is a comfortable conversationalist. 

Putin: Trump listened attentively and did not interrupt during the talks in Alaska. 

Putin: The fact that I met in Alaska has become a signal for the restoration of bilateral relations between Russia and the United States. 

Putin: I did not tell Trump the story of Ukraine in Alaska; they discussed options for resolving the conflict. 

Putin: Russia is ready to continue discussions with Trump about Ukraine. 

Putin: Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the restoration of Russian-American relations. 

Putin: Russia and China made a huge contribution to achieving victory in World War II. 

Putin: Russia and China maintain the spirit of the alliance. Putin: Next year will be the Year of Education in Russia and China. 

Putin: Xi Jinping's global governance initiative is consistent with Russia's ideas on Eurasian security.

 Putin: Russia has taken a responsible path to increasing the level of its sovereignty, including economic sovereignty.

Putin: Russia was forced to sacrifice record economic growth rates for the sake of macroeconomic stability. Putin: It is important to reduce inflation in Russia, but also to ensure economic growth rates. 

Putin: Highly skilled professionals in Russia should receive higher salaries. 

Putin: I hope that the high main interest rate will not freeze the Russian economy. 

Putin: Over the past two years, the Russian economy has grown by 4.1% and 4.3%, which is significantly higher than global values. 

Putin: The Russian economy must become more diversified, modern, and technologically advanced. 

Putin: There are reasons to believe that the decision to raise the value-added tax will maintain economic indicators and create a basis for the future. 

Putin: Russian intelligence services confirm reports that the West is trying to organize a color revolution in Serbia.

Putin: Young people in Serbia—even those taking to the streets—are patriots, and dialogue must be held with them.

Putin: The decision to implement a visa-free regime for Chinese tourists will be announced as soon as possible.

Putin: China's decision to abolish visas for Russians was a pleasant surprise. 

Putin: Relations between Russia and India are special.

Putin: Russia appreciates that New Delhi does not forget Moscow's assistance in India's struggle for independence.

Putin: Trade volume between Russia and India is about $63 billion, but the potential is much greater. 

Putin: The Tomahawk missiles, which the media says the United States may supply to Ukraine, are not modern, but they are a powerful weapon. 

Putin: Providing Kiev with these missiles will not change the situation on the battlefield. 

Putin: There were ATACMS missiles and others, and our soldiers adapted and learned how to shoot them down.

Putin: If Kiev uses Tomahawk missiles, it will damage relations between Russia and the United States. 

Putin: Using Tomahawk missiles without the direct participation of the American military will be impossible.

Putin: The brutal murder of activist Charlie Kirk in the United States is a heinous crime. 

Putin: Finland and Sweden joining NATO is foolish. 

Putin: Everything Russia wanted to resolve with Sweden was resolved during the Battle of Poltava, and all issues with Finland were resolved by Russia as a result of World War II. 

Putin: Russia didn't have armed forces in the regions adjacent to Finland, and now it will. 

Putin: Russia doesn't oppose restoring relations with Finland, but bitterness remains. 

Putin: Poland will never become the engine of Europe's economy, no matter how much it wants to. 

Putin: BRICS will work to expand the capabilities of electronic accounts and trade.

Putin: BRICS accounts for 40% of global GDP today, while the EU's share is 23%. 

Putin: Negative statements about BRICS are a nervous reaction to success. 

Putin: Those who expected good relations with the West after the collapse of the Soviet Union were fools. 

Putin: Russia has great respect for ancient civilizations. Our civilization is over 1,000 years old. We have extensive experience. 

Putin on Finnish President Alexander Stubb: He said he plays golf well, but that's not enough. 

Putin: Representatives of different religions and peoples in Russia have lived together for centuries, and this is a special culture. 

Putin: Russia may develop new hypersonic weapons systems, and work is underway. 

Putin: Russia possesses many high-tech weapons, including the Oreshnik. 

Putin: Russia is confident in its nuclear shield.

 Putin: The nuclear arsenals of France and Britain cannot be ignored, especially given France's plans to provide a "nuclear umbrella" for Europe. 

Putin: Moscow knows that some countries are preparing for nuclear tests, and if they conduct them, Russia will do the same.

 Putin: Russia has more tactical weapons than the United States. 

Putin: There are those in the United States who say they don't need to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. If they don't need it, we don't need it either.  

Source: RT