Putin Approves Belligerent New 'Foreign Policy Concept'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has adopted a 'new foreign policy concept' presented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a meeting of the Security Council. Putin states that "significant changes in world affairs require us to change our key foreign policy concept". The 'concept' indicates a much more belligerent Russia that will be willing to take offensive and escalatory action if it is perceived as being under threat. Link toKremlin readoutof announcement (in Russian).

• Lavrov: "The main initiator and conductor of the anti-Russian line is directly named the United States of America, and in general, the policy of the West, aimed at the all-round weakening of Russia, is characterized as a hybrid war of a new type."
• Lavrov: "Assistance in the establishment of a multipolar world order is defined as a framework task for all areas of foreign policy...The Concept provides for the possibility of taking symmetrical and asymmetric measures in response to unfriendly actions against Russia."
• Lavrov: "As the most important resource, the course towards unlocking the potential of strategic partnership with our great neighbors - the People's Republic of China, the Republic of India, [...] is being fixed."
• Lavrov: "The idea is clearly fixed that we are not isolating ourselves from the Anglo-Saxon countries and continental Europe, we do not have initially hostile intentions towards them. However, they must be aware that pragmatic cooperation with Russia is possible only if they realize the futility of a confrontational policy and if this policy is abandoned in practical actions."