Putin: "Challenges are temporary, Russia is eternal"

President Vladimir Putin has told lawmakers that Russia’s political system has proven its strength and sovereignty, while describing current difficulties as temporary.

Speaking at a meeting with members of the Council of Legislators at the Federal Assembly, he said all branches of government — including parliament — had demonstrated “resilience, stability and genuine sovereignty”, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

He argued that external pressures had not succeeded in dividing Russian society, saying the public had responded to “external aggressive challenges” with unity and determination. He added that foreign observers often fail to understand Russia and its people.

“Love for the homeland, and the will to defend it come first,” Putin said.

Addressing political competition, he rejected the idea that Russia’s multi-party system could be exploited to destabilise the country, insisting that those who believe this “do not understand Russia”.

On technology policy, Putin also called for a balanced approach to regulating artificial intelligence, warning against excessive restrictions. He said legislation should remain flexible and forward-looking, arguing that over-regulation risks slowing development.

“These are all temporary phenomena. Russia is eternal,” he said, adding that laws must be dynamic and progressive.

Looking ahead to the 2026 election cycle, he stressed that the process must be conducted strictly in line with the law, with transparent and legitimate results. He added that political competition should not disrupt day-to-day legislative work at the federal or regional level.

Quoting writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Putin also said authority should be viewed not as “a prize or reward, but as a heavy burden and responsibility.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev