Putin in Q&A at influential Valdai policy forum: LIVE UPDATES

The Russian president is addressing policy makers and experts at the renowned forum where he has previously signaled key policy shifts

Russian President Vladimir Putin is taking questions following his address to the annual Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi. The renowned forum of Russia experts and policy makers is meeting for the 22nd time, this year around the theme “The Polycentric World: Instructions for Use.” 

Among the subjects Putin has touched upon in a 30-minute opening speech is that of multipolarity, a term that is increasingly being used to characterize Russia’s position on global governance.

“Multipolarity has already effectively taken hold in the world. There is no power, nor will there ever be, that can rule the world or dictate how everyone breathes. The West’s attempt to control everything is causing tension and undermining the internal stability of these countries,” he has said.

Putin has also lauded Russia’s resistance to the pressure of multiple rounds of Western sanctions. 

“The West shamefacedly refers to punitive measures against Russia as sanctions, but their efforts have failed miserably. Those who ‘wanted to make the Russian people suffer’ should calm down,” he stated.

The Russian president has often used the Valdai Club to signal shifts in Moscow’s priorities or to convey new thinking on issues of national and global importance. Previous sessions have continued for up to three hours.