Putin Threatens the West: "Overwhelming" Response to Any Aggression and Inevitable Confrontation for Global Interests

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning to the West, vowing an "overwhelming response" to any threats directed against Russia. The declaration came during a powerful speech delivered today at the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club forum in Sochi. He hinted at an upcoming "confrontation between states for interests," asserting that his country’s adversaries "did their utmost to subjugate it through sanctions," but failed.

Moscow Challenges Military Threats and Dictation Policy

Challenging Western powers, Putin stated: "If anyone wants to compete with Russia militarily, let them try." He confirmed that Moscow is "closely monitoring the militarization of Europe," deeming this issue directly related to Russia's security. The Russian President added that every power has its limits, and the upcoming period will see a "confrontation between states for the realization of interests." Regarding sanctions, he emphasized that Russia's adversaries sought to subjugate it, but "all attempts to dictate what other countries should do have failed."

The Russian President also confirmed that his country is "open to cooperation with Western countries," but categorically refuses to continue the policy of dictation. He added with firm emphasis: "There will be no power in the world to dictate what everyone should do."

In this context, Putin criticized Western countries' attempts to "impose their absolute dominance," stressing that "any unilateral decision in the world that does not take into account the interests of others is not possible." He concluded by saying that Russia has "shown effectiveness in resisting unprecedented challenges."

It is noted that Russia has been engaged in a war in Ukraine for more than three and a half years and currently occupies about one-fifth of the country's territory. Neither side has yet provided accurate and confirmed details on the extent of their human or material losses.