According to TASS, Russian President Putin stated in an interview on Sunday that Russia always maintains the desire to normalize relations with Western countries, but this premise is "without compromising the interests of Russia and its people." When asked about the possibility of improving relations with the United States, Putin said, "As long as there is willingness, anything is possible. We have never abandoned this desire."
Putin pointed out that international relations are full of variables, and the only constant is the interests of countries, and Russia will always prioritize its own interests. He further explained that if favorable changes occur in the international situation, Russia will seize the opportunity to advance cooperation and dialogue with other countries. He said, "If we see changes occurring, opportunities and prospects to establish relations with other countries, then we are open to it."
However, Putin made it clear that the key to improving relations does not entirely depend on Russia, but on whether the other countries show a corresponding willingness. He stressed, "The premise of this is that the interests of the Russian Federation are not harmed."
The context of Putin's remarks is the continued tension in recent years between Russia and Western countries, with numerous conflicts on issues such as Ukraine, economic sanctions, and military confrontations. However, Putin's statement shows that Russia is still willing to engage in dialogue with the United States and its allies under specific conditions to seek common interests.
Analysis and Outlook
Putin's statement is seen as a signal to Western countries, suggesting that if there are adjustments in policies, Russia may be willing to explore a path towards easing relations. However, the insistence on prioritizing interests also indicates that realizing substantial progress in the short term is quite challenging. In the future, the international community will continue to watch the interactions in diplomacy, economy, and security between the parties, assessing the possibilities for breakthroughs.
