Putin Warns West, "Risk of Military Action Increases Without Dialogue and Negotiations"

Attending the Davos Forum for the First Time in 12 Years Since 2009
Positive Assessment of the Biden Administration's New START Extension

On the 27th (local time), Vladimir Putin, President of Russia (right), is participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) virtual meeting and delivering a speech.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] President Vladimir Putin sent a warning message at the World Economic Forum (WEF), which he attended for the first time in 12 years, stating that illegal sanctions targeting the West could increase the risk of the use of force. He positively evaluated the recent agreement between the U.S. Biden administration and Russia to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).

According to Russian TASS news agency and other foreign media on the 27th (local time), President Putin made remarks aimed at countering the Western world, including the United States, during his virtual speech at the WEF. He said, "The political and economic systems of so-called 'democratic' Western countries have rather exacerbated social conflicts," adding, "The unipolar system led by a specific country (centered on the Western world) has now fulfilled its mission." He further warned, "The ruleless game involving trade barriers, illegal sanctions, restrictions in finance, technology, and information sectors increases the risk of unilateral use of force, which can lead to danger." He threatened that economic sanctions by the U.S. and the European Union (EU) against Russia, accusations of hacking by the Russian government, and trade disputes could escalate into actual armed conflict.

President Putin stated, "COVID-19 has caused political conflicts such as social polarization, populism, and extremism," and added, "These issues can only be resolved through global solidarity." U.S. ABC News analyzed Putin's remarks as criticism of the U.S.-led world order amid escalating political conflicts within the United States, including the recent Capitol riot incident.

Additionally, President Putin criticized the suspension of former U.S. President Donald Trump's Twitter account. He said, "Some major IT companies are also exercising enormous influence for their own interests, infringing on the public good." CNBC reported that this was interpreted as a direct criticism of U.S. IT companies that have permanently suspended former President Donald Trump's account and exert political influence.

However, regarding the New START treaty extension agreement reached between the U.S. and Russia the previous day, he was the only one to evaluate it positively. He described the Biden administration's efforts as "naturally a step in the right direction." Earlier, the diplomatic authorities of the U.S. and Russia exchanged diplomatic notes to extend the New START treaty for five years until February 5, 2026. On the same day, the Russian Federation Council and State Duma approved the ratification bill for the New START extension submitted by President Putin, and the treaty is expected to come into effect soon after the completion of Russia's domestic procedures.