Overview

• At the Valdai plenary in Sochi on October 2, Putin said Russia is essential to global balance, a message carried by RIA Novosti and TASS.
• He argued that no stable equilibrium can be achieved in economic, strategic, cultural, or logistical spheres without Russia.
• He pointed to territory, population, defense capability, technological and industrial capacity, and mineral resources as the basis of that weight.
• He said attempts to push Russia out of the global system have failed and asserted that those trying to disrupt the balance have recognized this.
• He added that in a multipolar world equilibrium must come through joint effort and said Russia is prepared to take part.