Russia is fighting not only for its sovereignty and rights, but also for freedom and the possibility for the existence and development of most states, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.
"We can safely say and repeat that we are fighting not only for our freedom, not only for our rights, not only for our sovereignty. We are defending universal rights and freedoms, the possibility for the absolute majority of states to exist and develop," Putin said at a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club, adding that Russia is always ready for constructive dialogue with any country.
The very existence of Russia is the key to successful development of the world, the Russian leader added.
At the same time, Putin noted that nuclear weapons pose great threats to humanity.
"At the same time [along with the peaceful use of nuclear energy], there are also nuclear weapons; this creates great threats to humanity," Putin said, adding that the role of the peaceful atom in the world will grow, especially in the face of climate change.