Vladimir Putin's Key Statements at Valdai Forum: From Ukraine Conflict to Global Relations

Russia's President Vladimir Putin participated in the Valdai Discussion Club meeting in Sochi on Thursday.

Sochi:

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed attendees at the Valdai Discussion Club, a forum of Russia experts, in Sochi. Speaking in Russian, his remarks were translated by Reuters.

Here are the key points from his address:

Regarding Tomahawk Missiles for Ukraine:

"Operating Tomahawks without direct American military personnel involvement is impossible. This would represent an entirely new, qualitative escalation stage, particularly in Russia-United States relations."

On Trump Describing Russia as a Paper Tiger:

"A paper tiger. What follows then? Go and deal with this paper tiger."

"If we are battling the entire NATO bloc, advancing with confidence, yet are considered a paper tiger, then what does that make NATO itself?"

Regarding Charlie Kirk's Murder:

"This is a repulsive atrocity, especially since it was broadcast live. We all essentially witnessed it. It was truly disgusting, horrific. First and foremost, I extend my condolences to Mr. Kirk's family and loved ones. We sympathize and empathize."

"The incident indicates a profound societal division. In the United States, there's no need to escalate external tensions as the country's political leadership is working to restore domestic order."

On Nuclear Testing:

"Some entities are preparing these tests. We observe and understand this. Should they proceed, we will respond similarly."

Regarding New START Treaty Nuclear Warhead Limitations:

"We're aware certain individuals in the U.S. state: 'We don't require any extension.' If they don't need it, then neither do we. Overall, we're performing well. We have confidence in our nuclear shield and understand our future actions."

On Energy Markets:

"Regardless of circumstances, I'm convinced the international energy sector will continue functioning sustainably because global economic growth drives increasing demand for primary energy resources—including uranium for nuclear facilities, oil, gas, and coal."

"It's inconceivable that reduced Russian oil production would maintain normal conditions within the global energy sector and economy."

Regarding European Leadership 'Hysteria':

"United Europe's ruling elites continue fostering hysteria. They suggest war with Russians is practically imminent. They repeatedly state this nonsense, this mantra. They're either tremendously incompetent if they genuinely believe this absurdity, or they're simply dishonest."

On Russia's Response to European Military Development:

"We cannot ignore these developments. Our security obligations prohibit such disregard. I repeat, our defense and safety are paramount. Therefore, we closely monitor Europe's increasing militarization."

"Are these merely empty statements, or should we implement countermeasures? Germany, for instance, claims its army should become Europe's most powerful. Fine. We listen attentively, comprehending the implications."

"I believe everyone recognizes such measures will compel Russia to act, and our countermeasures won't be delayed. It appears our response to these threats will be, conservatively speaking, very convincing."

Regarding the Ukraine Conflict:

"We appreciate all nations making genuine efforts to resolve this situation in recent years. These include our partners: BRICS founding members; Belarus and notably North Korea; in the Arab world generally, primarily the UAE, alongside numerous other countries."

"Unfortunately, hostilities continue, but responsibility lies not with the majority, but with a European minority consistently escalating the conflict."

On United States Relations:

"Our countries have numerous disagreements. Our global perspective often conflicts. This is normal between major powers. Naturally, what matters most is how we address these differences, and to what extent peaceful resolution is achievable."

"The current White House administration communicates its interests and desires directly and frankly, without unnecessary hypocrisy."

"We observe the current U.S. administration prioritizing its self-defined interests. This represents a rational approach. However, Russia similarly reserves the right to pursue its national interests. Among these, incidentally, is restoring comprehensive relations with the U.S."

Regarding Russia-NATO 'Combat':

"All NATO countries oppose us, no longer concealing this fact. A specialized European center effectively supports all Ukrainian armed forces operations. It provides information, transmits space intelligence, supplies weaponry, and offers training."

On Combat Progress:

"Our troops advance confidently along virtually the entire contact line. Everywhere, Russian forces maintain strategic initiative with assurance."

Regarding Trump's Gaza Proposal:

"Generally, Russia is prepared to support it. Provided, naturally, it achieves the ultimate objective we've always discussed. Russia has consistently advocated establishing two states – both Israel and Palestine. This, in my view, represents the key to definitively resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict."

On U.S. Urging India to Abandon Russian Energy:

"Should India reject our energy supplies, it would experience certain losses. Certainly, India's population will carefully evaluate their political leadership's decisions and never accept humiliation before anyone. Furthermore, I know Prime Minister Modi; he would never implement such measures."

Regarding Alleged Ukrainian Attacks on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant:

"This represents dangerous behavior, and opposing parties should understand that their reckless actions could have consequences. They maintain operational nuclear facilities on their side. What prevents us from responding similarly? They should consider this carefully."

On Continued Uranium Exports to the U.S.:

"Regarding uranium trade, yes, this commerce continues."

"By late 2025, this supply will value approximately $1.2 billion. Next year around $800 million. Americans purchase our uranium because it's economically advantageous, which is sensible. We remain committed to providing steady, reliable supplies."

Regarding the Alaska Summit with Trump:

"President Trump and I discussed virtually nothing there, not even bilateral matters. We exclusively examined potential approaches to resolving the Ukrainian crisis."

"Additionally, we briefly considered restoring Russian-American relations, which aren't merely stalled but at their lowest historical point."

On French Seizure of Russian Oil Tanker:

"This constitutes piracy. A tanker was intercepted in international waters without justification. They apparently sought military equipment, drones, or similar cargo. None existed, nor could it have."

"How does one handle pirates? By eliminating them. So what's appropriate for pirates? This doesn't suggest global naval warfare tomorrow, but confrontation risks will certainly increase substantially."

On Russia's Economy:

"We must further strengthen our financial infrastructure. Two factors are crucial: enhancing macroeconomic stability and reducing inflation while maintaining positive economic growth."

"Last year, we acknowledged that combating inflation required sacrificing record growth rates. The central bank raised the key rate, which undeniably impacts the overall economy."

Regarding NATO Expansion to Sweden, Finland:

"Finland and Sweden joining NATO was misguided. We never experienced problems with Sweden, much less Finland. No issues whatsoever. Both nations have relinquished the advantages of neutrality."