Putin accuses some states of trying to contain rising competitors

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the emergence of a multipolar world is progressing “not without difficulties,” arguing that the international system is being undermined by countries seeking to fuel conflicts and contain rising competitors.

Putin made the remarks during a session of the 18th BRICS Summit. He did not identify the countries he was referring to, but said they remained “accustomed to thinking in colonial terms” and to “dividing the world into a flourishing garden and wild jungles,” while also being accustomed to “living at others’ expense.”

“They are not ready to accept the changing reality and are seeking by every means to contain growing competitors. Any means are being used, including tariff wars, illegitimate sanctions, attempts at economic diktat, blackmail, interference in internal affairs and simply brute force,” Putin said.

He also accused those countries of reigniting long-standing flashpoints of tension and provoking new conflicts.

“As a result, the entire system of international relations is malfunctioning. The effectiveness of a number of multilateral structures and institutions is declining,” Putin said.

By Tamilla Hasanova