Kremlin, October 3, 2025 – In a sweeping address at the Valdai Discussion Club, Russian President Vladimir Putin proclaimed that the world is transitioning into a “polycentric era,” characterized by the absence of a single dominant power capable of imposing its will globally. Speaking at the annual forum in Istanbul, Putin emphasized the emergence of a multipolar global order, cautioned Europe against escalating militarization, expressed conditional support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposals regarding the Gaza conflict, and attributed the ongoing war in Ukraine to Western policies. His remarks, delivered with a blend of strategic analysis and pointed critique, underscored Russia’s perspective on global governance, regional security, and ongoing conflicts, while advocating for a multipolar framework rooted in consensus and mutual respect.
The Rise of a Polycentric World Order
Putin framed the shift toward a polycentric world as a transformative and historically significant development. “The world is entering a polycentric era, a qualitatively new phenomenon,” he declared, emphasizing that this transition is reshaping global dynamics. He argued that no single nation or entity can unilaterally dictate rules in this emerging order, as global influence is now distributed among a growing number of political and economic players. “No one is ready to play by rules set by one person somewhere far away,” Putin stated, signaling a rejection of what he perceives as Western hegemony.
This multipolar world, according to Putin, is inherently more democratic, as it allows a broader array of nations to shape regional and global processes. “Perhaps never before on the global stage have there been so many countries influencing or seeking to influence the most important regional and global processes,” he noted. He contrasted this emerging system with Western-led institutions, which he accused of deviating from their original mandates and becoming platforms for “political lectures” rather than genuine cooperation.
Putin advocated for solutions in this polycentric environment to be based on broad consensus, warning that agreements failing to satisfy the majority of stakeholders would lack viability. “Any solutions are possible only on the basis of agreements that satisfy all interested parties or the overwhelming majority. Otherwise, there will be no viable solution at all,” he said. He highlighted organizations like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as exemplars of this approach, praising their ability to foster genuine consensus and balance among members. “They aren’t against anyone, they’re for themselves,” Putin remarked, contrasting their cooperative ethos with what he described as the West’s “hegemonic” tendencies.
Critique of Western Institutions and Global Governance
Putin’s speech included a sharp critique of Western-dominated institutions, which he argued have lost their legitimacy by straying from their founding principles. He accused these bodies of prioritizing political agendas over collective problem-solving, thereby undermining their relevance in a multipolar world. “Western-led institutions had lost their meaning by turning into platforms for political lectures,” he said, pointing to what he sees as a disconnect between their actions and the needs of a rapidly evolving global landscape.
In contrast, Putin lauded the BRICS and SCO frameworks for their inclusive and non-confrontational approaches. He argued that these organizations prioritize the interests of their members without seeking to dominate others, offering a model for global governance that aligns with the polycentric era. This perspective reflects Russia’s broader push to elevate the role of non-Western alliances in shaping international norms and policies, positioning itself as a champion of a more equitable global order.
Europe’s Security Risks and Militarization
Turning to Europe, Putin painted a critical picture of the continent’s political and security landscape. He accused European elites of fabricating threats from Russia to distract from domestic challenges, such as rising public debt, migration issues, and strained social security systems. “European leaders are inflating the image of an enemy,” he said, suggesting that this narrative serves to justify policies that burden ordinary citizens. “Most people in Europe cannot comprehend why they are so afraid of Russia that, to confront it, they must tighten their belts ever tighter and forget about their own interests,” he added.
Putin dismissed allegations that Russia harbors plans to attack NATO member states as “nonsense” and “impossible to believe.” He argued that such claims are part of a deliberate effort to stoke fear and justify increased military spending in Europe. However, he issued a stern warning about the continent’s growing militarization, stating, “We’re closely monitoring the growing militarization of Europe. Russia’s response will not be long in coming. The response to these threats, to put it mildly, will be very convincing.”
He emphasized Russia’s historical restraint, asserting that the country has “never initiated a military confrontation.” However, he cautioned that perceived weakness invites aggression, stating, “History shows that weakness is unacceptable, because it creates the illusion that any issue with us can be resolved by force.” This rhetoric underscores Russia’s determination to project strength and deter what it views as provocative actions by NATO and European states.
The Ukraine Conflict: A Western-Driven Tragedy
A significant portion of Putin’s address focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine, which he described as “a Ukrainian tragedy…painful for Ukrainians and Russians, for all of us.” He reiterated Moscow’s narrative that the conflict was instigated by Western powers seeking to expand their influence at Russia’s expense. “Western countries had long used Ukraine as a tool to expand their zone of control,” he claimed, accusing them of turning Ukraine into “expendable material” in a geopolitical struggle.
Putin argued that the war could have been avoided if previous U.S. administrations had adopted a less confrontational approach and if NATO had not pursued expansion toward Russia’s borders. “If Ukraine had ultimately preserved its independence, its true sovereignty, this could have been avoided,” he said, framing the conflict as a consequence of Ukraine’s alignment with Western interests.
On the battlefield, Putin asserted that Russian forces maintain the strategic initiative, citing advances in multiple areas. He provided detailed figures on Ukrainian casualties and desertions, alleging that Kyiv’s mobilization efforts are faltering. These claims, however, are difficult to verify independently due to the ongoing nature of the conflict and limited access to reliable data. Putin urged Ukraine’s leadership to pursue negotiations, stating, “It would be better for the Kyiv leadership to think about how to reach an agreement. We have discussed this many times and proposed doing so.” He also claimed that Russia’s losses are significantly lower than Ukraine’s and that its manpower reserves remain sufficient.
Putin acknowledged mediation efforts by countries such as China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, expressing appreciation for their initiatives. However, he accused Europe of deliberately escalating the conflict, stating, “Unfortunately, it hasn’t been possible to stop the fighting yet, but the responsibility for this lies not with the majority, but with the minority, primarily Europe.” This accusation reflects Russia’s broader narrative of Western culpability for prolonging the war.
U.S.-Russia Relations: A Pragmatic Approach
Addressing Russia’s relationship with the United States, Putin adopted a pragmatic and measured tone. He noted that the current U.S. administration engages in direct communication, which he viewed as a positive development. “It is always better to clearly understand what the other person wants than to try to guess through vague hints,” he said. He expressed Russia’s interest in restoring “full-fledged relations” with the U.S., emphasizing that mutual respect and tough but fair negotiations could lead to consensus, despite existing differences.
Putin’s comments suggest a willingness to engage diplomatically with Washington, even as Russia pursues its national interests. This approach aligns with his broader vision of a multipolar world, where major powers negotiate on equal terms rather than through unilateral dictates.
Gaza and the Middle East: A Call for Palestinian Sovereignty
Putin also addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, describing it as “a horrific event in modern history” and citing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ characterization of Gaza as “the largest children’s cemetery in the world.” He called the humanitarian toll “tragic” and expressed cautious optimism about U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposals to address the crisis. “They may bring some light at the end of the tunnel,” Putin said, specifically endorsing the idea of transferring control of Gaza to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas as the “preferable option.”
He also supported Trump’s proposal for a mutual release of hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, describing it as “worthy of support.” However, Putin stressed that any resolution must be acceptable to Palestinians, including Hamas, and the broader Islamic world. “It is absolutely essential to understand how Palestine itself feels about this,” he said, noting that Israel’s position would also be critical to the success of any plan.
Putin expressed skepticism about the proposal to involve former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in leading an interim administration in Gaza but suggested that Blair could play a constructive role if focused on peacebuilding. “If all the positive things I mentioned happen, then it will certainly be a breakthrough,” he said, emphasizing that the creation of a Palestinian state remains a cornerstone of any lasting settlement. “The creation of a Palestinian state is a key element of the overall settlement,” he reiterated.
Implications and Global Context
Putin’s address at the Valdai Discussion Club reflects Russia’s strategic vision for a multipolar world, where power is distributed among multiple centers of influence, and global governance is based on consensus rather than dominance. His critique of Western institutions and policies underscores Moscow’s efforts to position itself as a counterweight to U.S. and European influence, while his comments on Ukraine and Gaza highlight Russia’s desire to play a significant role in shaping global outcomes.
The speech also reveals the complexities of Russia’s foreign policy, balancing pragmatic engagement with the U.S., criticism of European militarization, and support for non-Western alliances like BRICS and the SCO. By framing the Ukraine conflict as a Western-driven tragedy and endorsing Palestinian sovereignty, Putin seeks to appeal to both domestic audiences and global south nations wary of Western dominance.
As the world navigates this polycentric era, Putin’s remarks underscore the challenges of achieving consensus in a fragmented global landscape. His warnings about European militarization and the need for negotiated solutions in Ukraine and Gaza highlight the high stakes of current geopolitical tensions. Whether his vision of a multipolar world gains traction will depend on the evolving dynamics of global power and the ability of nations to find common ground in an increasingly complex international order.