Geopolitical Tensions Escalate Worldwide, Says Putin

Geopolitical tensions are increasingly escalating worldwide. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a video speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

He emphasized that the SCO is playing an increasingly significant role in international affairs, making real contributions to maintaining peace and stability, ensuring sustainable economic growth for member countries, and strengthening ties among peoples.

"This is especially felt in the current conditions when geopolitical contradictions are intensifying. The degradation of the international security system continues. The risks of a new global economic and financial crisis are growing against the backdrop of uncontrolled debt accumulation in developed countries, social stratification, rising poverty, and the deterioration of food and environmental security," said Putin.

The Russian President noted that all these issues collectively lead to a noticeable increase in conflict potential, therefore the SCO will strengthen cooperation in the field of security. "Of course, one of the key issues of joint activity is the maintenance of security within the participating states, as exemplified by the organization's external borders, and we have already begun our activities in this direction, so we will strengthen this direction," stated Putin.

According to the Russian President, an unprecedented large-scale hybrid war is being waged against Russia, with illegitimate anti-Russian sanctions being applied. "Russia is confidently resisting and will continue to withstand external pressure, sanctions, and provocations. In this situation, our country continues to develop steadily. The Russian people are more united than ever, and Russian political circles and society have clearly demonstrated unity and a high sense of responsibility for the fate of the homeland, standing together as a united front against the attempted armed uprising," said the Russian President.

He pointed out that for a long time, a 'Counter-Russia' was being created near Russia's borders from Ukraine. "External forces were implementing a project to create a factually hostile 'Counter-Russia' state from our neighboring Ukraine near our borders. Ukraine was saturated with weapons for eight years, filled with aggression against the peaceful population of Donbas, and every effort was made to instill neo-Nazi ideology. All this was aimed at undermining Russia's security and restraining the development of our country," emphasized Putin.

Regarding the growing challenges, the Russian President proposed transforming the SCO's anti-terrorism structure into a center for addressing all regional threats. Putin stated that the organization's priority should remain the struggle against terrorism, extremism, religious radicalism, illegal drug trafficking, and banditry.

It should be noted that the SCO was established in 2001 and includes India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. Armenia holds a partner status in the organization.