Putin Accuses Western Elites of Disrupting Global Energy System
ISTANBUL — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday accused “certain Western elites” of intentionally destabilizing the global energy system. Speaking at the 8th Russian Energy Week forum in Moscow, he shared Russia’s perspective on challenges facing both the global and domestic energy sectors, emphasizing a major restructuring of energy relations.
Putin described this shift as a natural and objective process, driven by emerging economic centers and rising energy consumption in developing regions. However, he claimed that Western interference has artificially disrupted the system, creating instability and economic pressure.
He criticized several European countries for refusing to purchase Russian energy under political pressure. According to Putin, these decisions have caused industrial decline, rising energy costs, and reduced competitiveness across European markets.
Energy supply chains, he added, are increasingly shifting toward the Global South, including Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. This realignment involves the creation of more reliable routes, modern hubs, and ports designed to meet both current and future energy demands.
Putin stressed that Russia remains a leading oil producer, accounting for about 10% of global output and expecting to produce 510 million tons of oil this year despite restrictions and unfair competition. He highlighted that 87% of Russia’s energy production has a low or zero carbon footprint, making it one of the world’s greenest energy systems.
The Russian leader also highlighted Russia’s expertise in nuclear energy, noting projects in Bangladesh, Egypt, and Türkiye. He said Moscow plans to expand cooperation in nuclear technology with Global South nations and within BRICS, predicting that nuclear energy will become a key pillar of the global energy balance, with worldwide capacity expected to nearly double by 2050.
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