During an economic forum held in Vladivostok today, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged historical Soviet mistakes, notably the 1956 intervention in Hungary and the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia, describing them as errors in Soviet policy, according to Russian media reports. He emphasized the unacceptability of policies that appear to be directed against the interests of other countries but pointed out that the West was making similar missteps in its foreign policy.
Remarkably, President Putin did not mention Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which was initiated by Russian troops under his command. Instead, he made references to the perceived inconclusiveness of Ukraine’s counter-offensive efforts and alleged high casualties suffered by the Ukrainian army.
President Putin also highlighted that Russia had provided assistance to other countries without pursuing colonization. When the moderator raised concerns about accusations of colonization by Baltic countries, the Czech Republic, and Hungary against the Soviet Union, Putin responded that the entry of Soviet troops into Hungary and Czechoslovakia was a regrettable mistake made by the Soviet government.
“We acknowledged long ago that this aspect of Soviet policy was misguided and only led to strained relations,” Putin stated, as reported by Lenta. He firmly emphasized that policies clearly aimed against the interests of other nations were unacceptable, drawing a parallel to similar actions by leading Western countries.
In Hungary, Soviet troops quelled an uprising against the communist regime that erupted in October 1956, with fighting extending into the first ten days of November. The invasion of Czechoslovakia in August 1968 brought an end to the Prague Spring, which was characterized by attempts to reform the system and pursue “socialism with a human face.”
In his speech, Putin also criticized what he referred to as the “animal grin of American capitalism” and asserted that this was exposed through the “political persecution” of former President Donald Trump. Putin contended that this case highlighted the perceived flaws within the U.S. system.
Despite ongoing legal challenges, Trump is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the upcoming presidential election. However, Putin stated that the election outcome would not significantly alter Washington’s policy toward Moscow. He noted that while Trump promised swift solutions to pressing issues, including the Ukraine crisis if elected, he had previously imposed sanctions against Russia during his presidency.
Putin also pointed out that the United States consistently views Russia as a persistent adversary, or even an enemy, a sentiment that has influenced public opinion in America. He argued that reversing this course would be challenging, despite the existence of many individuals in both Russia and the United States who desire friendly relations, especially given their shared “traditional values.” Putin added that there are many friends and like-minded individuals on both sides but suggested that they are being stifled, as reported by TASS.
The majority of Putin’s speech at the Vladivostok forum was dedicated to discussing the development of the Far East and various economic matters.
Source: ceskenoviny.cz
