Putin approves new foreign policy concept

President Vladimir Putin has signed an updated version of the nation’s foreign policy concept, with a focus on Western efforts to undermine Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.

Putin explained that the key document had to be altered due to “drastic changes” in the international landscape.

The move was announced by the president on Friday during a meeting with top officials on Russia’s Security Council, which included, among others, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu.

Outlining the key provisions of the paper, Lavrov noted that it reflects “revolutionary changes on [Russia’s] external perimeter which received a visible boost after the start of the special military operation” in Ukraine more than a year ago.

The document puts into the spotlight Western, and particularly American, efforts to undermine Russian interests.

“The United States and their satellites have used measures, taken by the Russian Federation to protect its vital interests regarding Ukraine, as a pretext to escalate their long-standing anti-Russian policies, and have unleashed a hybrid war of a new type,” the document reads.

This hybrid war, the concept argues, seeks to “weaken Russia in every possible way,” including by undermining its military, economic, and technological potential as well as aiming to “limit its sovereignty in external and internal politics and to erode its territorial integrity.”

However, the paper asserts that Moscow “does not see itself as the West’s enemy, does not isolate itself from it and harbors no hostile intentions towards it.” It adds that Russia expects Western powers to “recognize the futility of confrontational policies and hegemonic ambitions” and to eventually return to pragmatic cooperation with Russia based on mutual respect.

“The Russian Federation is ready for dialogue and cooperation on such a basis,” the concept stresses.

The foreign policy concept is a key strategic document which outlines the principles, goals and priorities of Russia’s diplomacy and the challenges it faces. The previous version of the document, which was signed in 2016, was heavily focused on fighting terrorism, boosting international cooperation, enhancing Russia’s global footprint, and safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.

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