Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at the plenary session of the 23rd annual meeting of the Russian think tank Valdai International Debate Club on October 1, and answered questions from the host and participants, explaining Russia's domestic and foreign policies and its stance on hot issues such as the international situation, security conflicts, and technological innovation.
Putin said that the conflict in Ukraine was not caused by Russia. The West is inciting radical nationalism and Russophobia in Ukraine and turning them into tools against Russia. NATO has extended its military tentacles to Ukraine and plans to establish a military base and deliver a large number of offensive weapons to Ukraine. "We were deliberately pushed to this point."
Putin said that Russia still hopes to solve the problem through peaceful negotiations, and the conditions are acceptable to Russia and the Russian people. Ukraine should make responsible decisions based on the current reality.
Putin believes that Russia is charting a path to the future for itself, and is also willing to work with other countries around the world to jointly advance this process. He also reiterated that changes are taking place around the world at an unprecedented scale and speed.
The rapid development of artificial intelligence is one of the most prominent new problems of today's era. Putin said that the world is currently discussing whether measures should be taken to slow down the pace of research and development in the field of artificial intelligence to prevent it from "getting out of control." He believes that this is a multi-dimensional issue that requires careful consideration. Scientific and technological progress is unstoppable, but people must understand its consequences, especially regarding the application of scientific and technological achievements, including in the military field and war. The world needs to formulate rules for the use of artificial intelligence in time to benefit mankind.
Putin said that Russia’s position towards Japan has not changed at all. Russia did not impose sanctions on Japan, but Japan imposed sanctions on Russia, and Japan's top leaders issued "pretty tough" remarks. Russia is interested in cooperation with Japan, but is also concerned about Japan's policy of "remilitarization" and the establishment of military-political blocs in the region.
Putin pointed out that European countries are escalating the situation against Russia, which can be seen from its continuous exercises in the Baltic Sea, attempts to seize Russian ships, and statements threatening Russia's Kaliningrad region. If the situation develops and Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast or other areas are directly attacked, the issue of Russia's "use of all weapons in its possession" will inevitably and immediately be put on the agenda.
Putin emphasized that Europe froze Russia's gold and foreign exchange reserves and continued to push for their proceeds to be used to "support" Ukraine. "This is absolutely unacceptable." Russia has not nationalized any Western companies in Russia, but has placed some Western companies under external management. Once the West seizes the overseas assets of Russian companies, Russia will respond reciprocally. But he also made it clear that if the subsequent situation develops in a "favorable direction", Western companies placed under temporary external management by Russia will be expected to recover their assets in Russia.
China's role and status in international affairs continue to increase. Putin believes that the friendly and mutually trusting relationship between Russia and China is a very important factor in world political stability. Both Russia and China recognize the need to protect traditional values, as well as their own history and traditions. Civilization exchanges between the two countries are of great significance because they can bring the two peoples closer.
Putin said he believed that the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) informal leaders' meeting hosted by China will be successful. (over)
