Putin Warns Geopolitical Processes Are Eroding Security and International Law, at Moscow Security Conference

June 23 , 2021 (EIRNS)—Welcoming participants via a video message to the Fourth Moscow Conference on International Security, Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced geopolitical approaches as responsible for the worsening security situation and erosion of international law.

“However, unfortunately, geopolitical processes are becoming increasingly turbulent despite isolated positive signals. The erosion of international law continues as well. The attempts to use force to push through one’s own interests and to strengthen one’s own security at the expense of the security of others continue unabated,” Putin said according to the transcript posted on the Kremlin website.

“Regional armed conflicts, the risks of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the activity of cross-border criminal groups, drug trafficking and cybercriminals are causing us serious concern. International terrorism continues to pose a particular threat.

“To reiterate, the scale and the global nature of the above challenges require that all states join their efforts. Of course, this collective work must be based on international law and the UN Charter goals and principles. Any new rules should be formulated under the auspices of the UN. All other avenues will lead to chaos and unpredictability.”

He further explained,

“I would like to remind you in this connection that earlier Russia suggested developing a new ‘security equation.’ It should take into account all the factors influencing strategic stability in their interconnection. We are confident that political will and readiness to compromise can produce a positive effect. Clear evidence of this is Russia and the United States extending the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty until 2026.

“Naturally, we cannot but be concerned over the continuous build-up of NATO military potentials and infrastructure in the vicinity of Russian borders, as well as over the fact that the Alliance is refusing to consider in a constructive manner our proposals on de-escalating the tension and reducing the risk of unpredictable incidents. We really do hope that common sense together with the desire to promote constructive relations with Russia will eventually prevail.”

Stressing Russia’s efforts in the settlement of regional conflicts, Putin said: “Our military aid helped to liberate the greater part of Syrian territory from international terrorists and to prevent the disintegration of the Syrian state. The political and diplomatic work within the Astana format that is pursued jointly with Turkey and Iran has made it possible to start the process of Syrian settlement under the UN aegis.”

In the Caucasus conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, the President described: “The Russian peacekeepers reliably guarantee peace and security in the region.... Russia never forgets its responsibility for the security and prosperity of neighboring countries, with which we are brought together by inextricable historical, cultural and human ties” and “continue promoting the de-escalation of regional conflicts and strengthening peace and stability on our common continent.”