KYZYL, September 2. — In a candid address to students at Kyzyl’s School No. 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a pointed critique of what he described as “hostile elites” in the West, who, in his view, have long sought to weaken and divide Russia.
Speaking at the open lesson “Talking About the Important,” Putin emphasized that Russia does not regard any countries or languages as inherently hostile. Instead, he laid the blame squarely on Western elites who perceive Russia as a threat due to its vast size and geopolitical influence.
“We do not reject anything: we don’t have hostile languages, we don’t even have hostile countries. We have hostile elites in some countries that have been fighting against Russia for centuries in order to weaken our country because they think it is too big,” Putin told the students.
Russia’s Geopolitical Position: A Challenge to the West
Putin’s remarks reflect a broader narrative that has become increasingly prominent in Russian rhetoric over the past decade.
As relations between Russia and many Western nations have deteriorated, Moscow has consistently framed itself as a victim of long-standing Western attempts to undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to the Russian president, these so-called hostile elites are “obsessed with the idea of dismembering Russia” and are driven by a fear of Russia’s resurgence on the global stage.
Putin suggested that this fear is rooted in historical anxieties, particularly in Europe and the United States, where he claimed that Russia’s size and influence have long been perceived as a threat to Western dominance.
Hostile Elites, Not Hostile Nations
Putin’s comments draw a distinction between the governments or elites of certain Western countries and their citizens. This differentiation may be part of a broader effort to counter the narrative that Russia is isolated or disliked on a global scale.
By emphasizing that it is not the people of these nations who are hostile but rather their ruling elites, Putin reinforces the idea that the root of international tensions lies in the political motivations of Western leaders rather than any inherent animosity between nations.
This argument allows Russia to maintain a stance that seeks to foster relationships with ordinary citizens and cultural groups globally, despite the strained diplomatic relations it faces with various governments.
A Warning of Continued Struggles
The Russian leader also highlighted the long history of conflicts with the West, framing Russia’s current geopolitical challenges as a continuation of this historical struggle.
In his view, efforts by Western elites to weaken Russia are not new but part of a centuries-long attempt to prevent the country from emerging as a dominant global power.
“They try to slow down our development,” Putin said, alluding to sanctions and other economic measures imposed by Western countries in response to various actions by Russia, including its annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its military operations in Ukraine since 2022.
These measures have been met with staunch resistance from Moscow, which has responded by tightening ties with other non-Western nations, particularly China.
The China-Russia Partnership: A Strategic Alliance
In response to a question from a schoolgirl about Russia’s relations with China, Putin took the opportunity to underscore the strength of the Russia-China partnership, which he described as an alliance in “every sense of the word.”
“The People’s Republic of China and Russia are allies in every sense of the word. We first of all pool our efforts in the economy, culture, and humanitarian ties,” he said.
This statement reaffirms the increasingly close relationship between Moscow and Beijing, which has been solidified in recent years through extensive cooperation in trade, technology, and military matters.
The two nations have also found common ground in their shared opposition to what they perceive as Western dominance in global affairs.
Putin’s comments on China come at a time when the West has been closely watching the growing Sino-Russian partnership, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine.
While China has officially maintained a neutral stance on the conflict, it has continued to engage in trade with Russia and has echoed Moscow’s criticisms of NATO and U.S. foreign policy.
A Different Kind of Diplomacy
Putin’s emphasis on the alliance with China serves as a reminder that Russia is actively seeking to diversify its international relationships beyond the West.
This strategy is part of Moscow’s broader efforts to establish itself as a key player in a multipolar world order, where power is more evenly distributed among major global actors rather than concentrated in the hands of the United States and its allies.
In recent years, Russia has strengthened ties with various countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, forging new partnerships and expanding its influence in regions traditionally dominated by Western powers.
This shift reflects Russia’s determination to carve out its own path in global affairs, independent of Western approval or support.
Western Reactions and the Global Stage
Putin’s remarks are likely to draw reactions from Western leaders who have been critical of Russia’s actions on the international stage.
In recent months, tensions between Russia and NATO countries have continued to escalate, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Western sanctions against Russia remain in place, and there have been ongoing efforts to diplomatically isolate Moscow in various international forums.
However, Putin’s speech also signals Russia’s intent to continue resisting these efforts and to present itself as a resilient global power capable of withstanding external pressure.
The Russian government has repeatedly argued that Western sanctions have failed to achieve their intended goals and have instead strengthened Russia’s resolve to pursue its own interests, both domestically and internationally.
Conclusion: A Defiant Stance
Putin’s address at Kyzyl’s School No. 20 offers a window into the Russian government’s worldview and its approach to international relations.
By framing Russia as a target of hostile Western elites, Putin seeks to rally domestic support and portray his country as a defender of sovereignty in the face of external threats.
At the same time, his emphasis on the strategic partnership with China underscores Russia’s commitment to building alliances outside the Western sphere of influence.
As global geopolitical dynamics continue to shift, Putin’s message is clear: Russia will not be deterred by attempts to weaken or divide it, and it will continue to assert its place on the world stage, regardless of opposition from the West.
Whether this defiant stance will lead to further escalation or new diplomatic opportunities remains to be seen, but for now, Russia appears determined to chart its own course in an increasingly complex and multipolar world.