**Summary of Vladimir Putin’s Press Conference in Beijing (2025): Key Themes and Statements**
—
### **1. Ukraine: Defense of National Interests**
– **Stance**: Putin reiterated Russia’s firm defense of its “legitimate security interests” in Ukraine, emphasizing that any negotiations must include **unconditional consideration** of Russia’s demands.
– **Historical Context**: He blamed the 2014 Ukrainian revolution on Western interference, accusing the West of fostering instability and undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty.
– **Military Context**: Highlighted Russian military successes in Ukraine as a “pre-summit push” to support diplomatic efforts, suggesting a strategic balance between force and diplomacy.
—
### **2. China: Strategic Partnership and Multipolarity**
– **Economic Cooperation**: Putin praised the **Sino-Russian energy partnership**, including the $400 billion Russia-China gas deal, emphasizing mutually beneficial agreements based on **market principles**.
– **Multipolar World Vision**: Stressed the importance of a **multipolar global order** where all nations have equal rights under international law. China is positioned as a key partner in this model, alongside BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
– **Criticism of Western Hegemony**: Called for ending Western dominance, framing the U.S. approach to China and India as a “relic of colonialism” and a “commanding tone” that undermines sovereignty.
—
### **3. Azerbaijan: Resilience Amid Challenges**
– **Mutual Interests**: Putin expressed confidence in the long-term strength of Russia-Azerbaijan relations, despite current political tensions.
– **Economic Cooperation**: Emphasized shared interests in energy and trade, suggesting that mutual benefit will outweigh short-term political disagreements.
—
### **4. U.S. and Trump: Diplomatic Criticism**
– **Personal Relations**: Acknowledged good personal ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump, including informal address by first names.
– **Criticism of U.S. Foreign Policy**: Mocked the U.S. for attempting to “make things hard” for China and India, calling it an outdated colonial-era approach. Argued that large economies like India and China would resist such interference.
—
### **5. Multipolar World and Global Order**
– **Ideological Foundation**: Putin framed Russia’s foreign policy around the **ideological shift** toward a multipolar world, rejecting unipolar dominance.
– **Role of Alliances**: Highlighted the **SCO** and **BRICS** as key platforms for promoting equality and countering Western hegemony.
– **Call for Equality**: Asserted that all nations should be “equal participants” in global affairs, with no single power dominating international law.
—
### **Strategic Consistency in Russian Foreign Policy**
– **Balance of Power**: Putin’s press conference underscored a dual strategy: **defending national interests** (e.g., Ukraine, energy security) while fostering **alternative centers of influence** through partnerships with China, India, and other non-Western powers.
– **Diplomatic Messaging**: The key message to the West was a conditional openness to dialogue on Ukraine, contingent on Russia’s security demands.
—
### **Conclusion**
Putin’s statements reflect a strategic pivot toward **sovereignty-based multipolarity**, with Russia positioning itself as a leader in a decentralized global order. The press conference reinforced Russia’s defiance of Western dominance, while emphasizing economic and ideological alliances with China, India, and other emerging powers.
—
**Key Takeaways**:
– **Ukraine**: Russia prioritizes security over diplomacy.
– **China**: Central to Russia’s vision of a multipolar world.
– **Multipolarity**: A core ideological goal, rejecting Western hegemony.
– **Strategic Balance**: Combines military strength with diplomatic engagement.
Let me know if you need further analysis or specific details!
