During his participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Conference 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that “time will pass and European partners will return to the Russian market”, stressing that Russia is interested in cooperation with China “because of its capabilities, and not against the backdrop of recent geopolitical events.

He pointed out that “the trade exchange between Russia and China will reach a record level this year.” He also stated in a different context during the dialogue session that “the rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated”, noting that “a multipolar world is inevitable and those who cling to their illusory global leadership are making a huge mistake.”

In this context, he stated that “the restoration of relations with Ukraine is inevitable”, noting that “we are not against Ukraine’s entry into the European Union, this is not a military alliance”, emphasizing that “we are ready to restore our relations with everyone after the military operation in Ukraine” .

In his opening speech, the Russian President said: “The era of unipolarity is over, and the economic war with us is doomed from the very beginning, and the West has damaged its economy, and the European Union has lost its sovereignty”, noting that “The losses of the European Union from sanctions amounted to 400 billion dollars, and the current situation in Europe will change the elites in the future.”