Vladimir Putin predicts the end of Western dominance in the world, despite efforts to preserve it. In a long speech at the conference of political experts, the Russian president outlined his vision for the world.
“The historical period of unique dominance of the West in world affairs is coming to an end. The unipolar world is becoming a thing of the past. We are at a historical turning point. Ahead of us is the most dangerous, unpredictable and most important decade since the end of World War II,” Putin said.
Putin, whose army invaded Ukraine eight months ago, accused the West of foul play.
“What we are seeing now is the destruction of pan-European pipelines. This is terrible, but we are seeing it. Power over the world is exactly what the so-called West has put in its game. But this game is dangerous, bloody and dirty”, he said.
Advisor to President Zelensky, Mikhailo Podoliak, described Putin’s speech as “Freudian”. “He blames others for everything he does himself. But he is right about something, he who spreads the wind, finds the storm. And the storm is coming,” declared the Ukrainian official.
From the United States, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called Russia an acute threat, while the real threat is another country.
“Russia is an acute threat and we have chosen the word “acute” carefully. Unlike China, Russia cannot systematically challenge the United States in the long term,” said Lloyd Austin, US Secretary of Defense.
Austin warned Moscow of a strong response if it uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine.