Putin: "The Nobel Peace Prize Sometimes Goes to Those Who Have Done Nothing"

Critical Remarks on the Credibility of the Nobel Peace Prize
Defends Trump... "Russia Is Ready to Contribute to Peace"

Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the Nobel Committee's fairness regarding the failure of former U.S. President Donald Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

According to Russia's TASS news agency and others, President Putin made these remarks during a press conference after the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on October 10 (local time).

He stated, "There have been cases where the Nobel Committee has awarded the prize to people who have done nothing for peace," adding, "Such decisions have seriously undermined the credibility of the Nobel Peace Prize." These comments came shortly after Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was selected as this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

President Putin said, "It's not up to me to decide who receives the award, but it is clear that such decisions have damaged the reputation of the prize." Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is opposed by Machado, maintains a close relationship with President Putin and attended Russia's Victory Day military parade this past May.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Additionally, President Putin defended President Trump, stating that Trump is making genuine efforts to promote peace. He said, "The situation in the Middle East is a prime example," and evaluated, "If everything Donald is planning and pursuing comes to fruition, it will mark a historic turning point."

He further stated, "The establishment of a Palestinian state is a key task, and Russia supports President Trump's peace initiative for the Gaza Strip." Putin added, "There is deep trust between us, Palestine, and Arab countries," and emphasized, "Russia is ready to actively contribute to the implementation of a peace agreement."

Meanwhile, President Putin also responded to questions about the nuclear arms race during the press conference. He warned, "Some countries are considering new nuclear weapons tests, and if such a situation arises, Russia is prepared as well."

He continued, "Our deterrence remains at the highest level in the world, and the development and testing of new weapons are progressing smoothly," adding, "We will unveil new weapons systems in the near future."

President Putin mentioned that he recently proposed a one-year extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) to the United States but has not received a response. However, he stated, "If the United States is willing, we are ready to negotiate."