The key facts

  • On November 4 at the Kremlin, Putin stated that Russia has never threatened anyone and seeks cooperation
  • The awards ceremony was timed to National Unity Day
  • Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry spoke of readiness to work with returning companies and to develop ties with the Global South

Statement at the Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin, on November 4 at a ceremony presenting state awards and prizes for contributions to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation, timed to National Unity Day, stated that Russia has never threatened anyone and does not threaten anyone now, and that it seeks cooperation. This was reported by Gazeta.Ru citing TASS and Life.ru. According to the president, it is important that Moscow's position be seen not only by citizens of foreign countries but also by their political leadership: those who are not yet ready for engagement should, taking the example of the guests honored at the ceremony, 'draw the right conclusions.' Putin also expressed hope that abroad they will see Russia's readiness for cooperation and will not seek confrontation.

Context: economic diplomacy

The statement came against the backdrop of recent comments by the Russian foreign ministry. Dmitry Birichevsky, director of the economic cooperation department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, saidthat Russia is ready to cooperate with foreign companies that left the Russian market in a civilized manner if they wish to return, while interaction with the organizations that remained will continue. At the same time, in his words, the country should develop cooperation with the Global South — Asia, Africa, and Latin America — 'with everyone for whom political expediency and economic interaction do not depend on the political situation.' Life.ru also recallsthat earlier, at the Valdai forum, Putin emphasized that Moscow does not intend to start military conflicts in 2029, 2030, or 2050, but in the event of aggression it would be forced to defend itself.