The West Has Taken Several Steps Towards Escalation of Global Situation, Says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the Valdai International Discussion Club meeting, stated that the West has taken a number of steps towards escalating the global situation in recent months.

“In the so-called West, of course, there is no unity. It is clear that it is a complex conglomerate, but still, let's say that the West has taken several steps towards escalation in recent years, especially in recent months. They are always playing with escalation; there is nothing new about that. This is the incitement of war in Ukraine, provocations around Taiwan, and the destabilization of global food and energy markets,” emphasized the Russian leader.

The president also noted that the West has participated in the destruction of gas pipelines. “This is generally something beyond the border, but nevertheless, we are witnessing these events.”

According to the Russian president, humanity now essentially has two paths: either to continue accumulating the burden of problems or to try to find solutions together, even if they are not ideal but workable. Putin expressed confidence that sooner or later both the new centers of a multipolar world order and the West will have to start an equal dialogue about a common future. “You know, I have always believed and continue to believe in the power of reason,” said the Russian leader.