Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual address to the Federal Assembly. He devoted most of his speech to domestic issues - social sphere, economy, healthcare - but also touched on international relations. Here is the main part of what Putin said about foreign policy.
Russia and global stability
As the president noted, Moscow is building ties with the absolute majority of countries on the basis of mutual respect, including countries in Europe. But, according to Putin, a number of states have made a habit of targeting Russia without reason, which has become a new sport. Putin noted that Moscow behaves modestly, seeing the boorishness of other countries, but stressed that the organizers of any provocation against Russia will regret it "as they have not regretted for a long time."
The President invited other countries to discuss global stability issues, including the creation of a "security equation."
Protecting national interests
The President recalled that Russia has its own interests, which it intends to defend under international law, just as other states do.
"And if someone refuses to understand this obvious thing, does not want to engage in dialogue, chooses an egotistical and arrogant tone - Russia will always find a way to defend its position," the Russian leader stressed.
Putin noted that Moscow has enough patience, responsibility, professionalism and self-confidence to make any decision.
"But I hope that no one will think of crossing the so-called red line with regard to Russia, and where it will pass - we will determine in each specific case ourselves," the President said.
Moscow is not burning any bridges
According to Putin, Russia wants to have good relations with all participants in international communication. Putin added: "This includes those with whom relations have not developed, to put it mildly. - We do not want to burn bridges, but if someone perceives our good intentions as indifference or weakness and intends to blow up those bridges himself, then [they] must know that Russia's response will be asymmetric, swift and harsh."
As the head of state pointed out, despite Russia's good intentions, he sees what "happens in real life."
"As I said, they're targeting Russia here and there for no reason at all. And of course, all sorts of petty Tabaquis immediately revolve around them, like around Sherkhan. It' like Kipling, howling to placate their sovereign," said Putin.
Attack on Belarus
In his speech the President also pointed out that in fact, a massive cyber-attack was prepared against Belarus, while the "collective West" is ignoring the situation with the preparation of Lukashenko's murder.
"Just look at the confessions of the detained participants of the plot that a blockade of Minsk was being prepared, including the city infrastructure and means of communication, the complete disconnection of the entire energy system of the capital of Belarus. This means, by the way, that, in fact, preparations were being made for a massive cyberattack. How else could it be? You can't just do it with a single switch," said the Russian leader.
Putin stressed that attempts by individual states to impose their will on others have recently become commonplace.
"But today such practices are degenerating into something more dangerous. I am referring to the recent attempts to organize a coup d'etat in Belarus and to assassinate the president of this country. At that, it is typical that even such outrageous actions are not condemned by the so-called collective West. No one seems to notice it, they just pretend that nothing is going on," said the president. According to Putin, there may be different attitudes towards Lukashenko, "just as towards Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro," but it's inadmissible to plan his murder.
International cooperation
Putin is counting on a face-to-face meeting of the heads of permanent UN Security Council member states to strengthen the global organization's key role in world affairs.
The President noted that Moscow seeks to help resolve regional conflicts and has already done much to stabilize the situation in Syria and establish a political dialogue in Libya.
"Russia also played, as you know, the main role in stopping the armed conflict in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh," Putin reminded.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS