Speaking on Friday, the Russian president on Friday at St. Petersburg’s financial forum, expressed strong concern about the increasing dynamic conflict in the world, leaving open the possibility of a third world war. In his speech he combined geopolitical concerns with military and economic priorities, describing Russia’s current strategic direction in a period of global instability.
Concern about global tension and nuclear threats
Putin stressed that the possibility of a dynamic conflict is increasing and is now visible “in front of our nose”, directly affecting international stability. He specifically referred to the Russian war with Ukraine, the Israeli-Jran conflict, and the worrying developments around the nuclear facilities in Iran, where Russian experts build two new nuclear reactors for Tehran.
“It’s worrying. I speak without any irony, I am not joking, “he said, stressing the need for a careful approach to events and the search for peaceful solutions in all directions.
At the same time, he warned Ukraine against the use of a “dirty bomb”, noting that such an action would have devastating consequences for Kiev, although so far there is no evidence to show such intention.
Moscow’s strategy and collaborations
Putin announced to the forum the intention of Russia to deepen military-technological cooperation with “friendly countries” and especially those of BRICS, expanding the supply, modernization and common development of weapons systems, as well as training staff and the creation of production facilities. He also emphasized the need to modernize Russian Armed Forces with new technologies and modern equipment.
At the same time, the president underlined that the Russian army continues the advance on the Ukraine fronts, almost three and a half years after the start of the conflict, keeping the military operation in progress successfully.
Economic Policy and International Relations
In the financial sector, Putin emphasized the need to avoid recession, despite slowing growth in 2025. He emphasized the importance of strengthening commercial links and investment cooperation with Russia’s partners, despite western sanctions and geopolitical isolation.
Putin said he was willing to meet with Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski, but only in the context of the final stage of the negotiations, which are still deadlocked. At the same time, it warned Germany not to supply Ukraine with Cruise Taurus rockets, warning that this would completely destroy bilateral relations without substantially changing the course of the war.
In addition, he reiterated the position that Russia does not seek to capitulate Ukraine, but calls for the recognition of reality in the field, stressing that Russians and Ukrainians are “a people” and that the whole of Ukraine is “ours” in that sense. He emphasized the need to create a security belt along the Russian-Ukrainian border and accused Ukrainian forces of civilians on civilians on Russian territory.
