Vladimir Putin: Peace Does Not Happen By Itself, It Is Built

From Krasnaya zvezda, Jan. 16, 2026, p. 1. Complete text:

Russia has always pursued and will continue to pursue a balanced and constructive foreign policy that takes into account both our national interests and the objective trends of global development.

In the Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, Russian President Vladimir Putin received credentials from newly appointed foreign ambassadors. During the solemn credential presentation ceremony, the Russian head of state delivered an address in which he laid out his vision of the current international situation. His remarks included comments on relations with the countries represented by the ambassadors who attended the ceremony.

Vladimir Putin noted that the ceremony was taking place “at the very beginning of the new year, a time when we all make plans for the future and, of course, hope that difficulties and hardships, mutual grievances and conflicts will be left behind.” According to him, international cooperation is a key factor for humanity’s sustainable development and prosperity. In today’s diverse and interconnected world, global stability and security depend directly on the ability of states to engage in constructive interaction, while open and honest partnerships help solve common problems – even the most difficult ones.

“It’s no wonder that they say peace does not happen by itself – it is built, every day,” the Russian leader said. “Peace requires effort, responsibility and conscious choices. This is especially relevant now, when the international situation is steadily deteriorating – and I don’t think anyone would argue with that. When old conflicts are flaring up and new, serious hotspots of tension are emerging.”

At the same time, diplomacy and the search for consensus and compromise solutions are increasingly being replaced by unilateral and often highly dangerous actions. In place of dialogue between states, we hear monologues from those who believe that “might makes right” and consider it acceptable to impose their will on others, lecture them and issue commands. Dozens of countries around the world are suffering from the violation of their sovereign rights, [and] from chaos and lawlessness, and they lack the power and resources to defend themselves.

Russia believes that a sensible way out of this situation lies in more vigorous demands that all members of the international community comply with international law and genuinely support the emergence of a new, fairer multipolar world order – one in which every country has the right to independently determine its own model of development and destiny without external interference, while preserving its unique culture and traditions.

“Let me emphasize that Russia is genuinely committed to the ideals of a multipolar world. Our country has always pursued, and will continue to pursue, a balanced and constructive foreign policy that takes into account both our national interests and the objective trends of global development,” the Russian president stressed.

Russia advocates strengthening the central and key role of the UN – an organization that marked a milestone anniversary last year – in global affairs.

“Eighty years ago, our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, having triumphed in World War II, were able to come together, find a balance of interests, and agree on the fundamental rules and principles of international relations. These were enshrined in the UN Charter – in their entirety, with all their depth and interconnections,” Vladimir Putin said. “The imperatives of this foundational document’ – such as equality, respect for sovereignty, noninterference in domestic affairs, and the resolution of disputes through dialogue – remain as relevant as ever. Most importantly, we must proceed from the principle that security must truly be comprehensive’ – meaning equal and indivisible – and cannot be ensured for some at the expense of others.”

Disregard for this basic and vital principle, the Russian president noted, has never led to anything good, and never will. The crisis around Ukraine is a clear example, he said – a direct result of many years of ignoring Russia’s legitimate interests and of a deliberate policy aimed at creating threats to its security, including NATO’s encroachment toward Russia’s borders in violation of public promises made to our country.

Vladimir Putin recalled that Russia has repeatedly put forward initiatives to build a new, reliable and fair architecture of European and global security. “We proposed solutions and reasonable alternatives that could have satisfied everyone – in America, Europe, Asia and around the world,” he said. “We believe it would be worthwhile to return to substantive discussions of these proposals in order to agree on the conditions under which a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine can be achieved – and the sooner, the better.”

It is precisely this long-term and sustainable peace, one that reliably ensures the security of everyone, that Russia seeks. Not everyone is ready for this – neither in Kiev, nor in the capitals that support it. “But we hope that everyone will realize sooner or later that this is necessary. Until that happens, Russia will continue to steadfastly pursue the goals it has set for itself,” the Russian president said.