Key facts
- Vladimir Putin stated that events in Europe are the result of "system errors" by Western globalists.
- Putin linked these "system errors" to the far-right victory in a German state election.
- Putin blamed Western elites for events on the continent and the conflict in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that current events in Europe, including the recent success of the far-right AfD in a German state election, stem from "system errors" made by "globalists in the West." Speaking to reporters, Putin stated that Western elites in politics, security, and economics are responsible for the continent's issues. He also blamed the West for the conflict in Ukraine, citing constant pressure on Moscow and attempts to draw Ukraine into NATO. Putin initially declined to comment on the specific German election outcome but broadened his remarks to encompass the broader European situation.