Putin Says ‘I Was Naive’ in Dealing with the West and Calls Biden’s Claim ‘Nonsense’

On the 14th, Russian President Vladimir Putin was answering questions from the audience at the end-of-year press conference, Dialogue with the People. / AP

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who officially declared his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election in March and has fully engaged in the campaign, raised eyebrows by acknowledging his early naivety in foreign policy dealings with the West in the early 2000s.

In an interview with Russian state television on the 17th, President Putin contemplated the transformations Russia has undergone since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. He pointed out that Russia has evolved into a significantly different nation, leaving behind the ideological confrontations of the past. Putin expressed his hope that the West would acknowledge this transformation, which, in his view, eliminated any basis for conflict. “However, looking back,” he admitted, “my approach was naive.”

President Putin shared his reflections, stating, “Even when I observed Western support for separatist and terrorist activities against Russia, I believed it stemmed from a straightforward mindset and habitual actions, but the reality turned out to be quite different.” He asserted, “The Western perspective was that they could progressively disintegrate and destabilize Russia, given its vast population and territory. Western elites aspired not only to undermine Russia’s economic and social foundations but also its political system, and they continue to hold onto the belief that they can sow internal discord.”

On the same day, President Putin refuted U.S. President Joe Biden‘s claim that if Russia wins the war with Ukraine, it will attack the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries. Putin said, “Russia has no reason, no interest — no geopolitical interest, neither economic, political nor military — to fight with NATO countries.” He further stated that Russia holds no territorial disputes with NATO countries and is not seeking to deteriorate relations with them. Instead, Putin emphasized Russia’s interest in fostering better relations, dismissing contrary claims as “complete nonsense.” Criticizing President Biden’s remarks, he viewed them as an attempt to justify a misguided policy approach towards Russia.

A support group consisting of more than 700 politicians and cultural and sports figures who support President Putin unanimously

Meanwhile, on the same day, a support group of more than 700 politicians and cultural and sports figures who support President Putin unanimously endorsed the plan to nominate him as an independent candidate for next year’s presidential election.

By Russian presidential election regulations, an independent candidate must be endorsed by a support group comprising a minimum of 500 backers to participate in the election. Putin ran as an independent candidate in the 2000, 2004, and 2018 presidential elections. This was seen as a symbolic gesture emphasizing that his election had gained support beyond party lines.

By. Min Kyu Kim