SOCHI. Nov 7 (Interfax) - Russia is currently fighting not only for its freedom and for its sovereignty, but also for the freedom of most countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"Russia has more than once stopped those who were striving for global domination, no matter who is doing it. This will continue to be so in the future. And the world will not become better. Those who are trying to do this should realize it in the end. It will only become more difficult," Putin said in a speech at a plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club on Thursday.
"Our opponents are finding more and more new ways and tools in an attempt to get rid of us," he said.
As this kind of tool, they are using Ukraine and Ukrainians, who "are simply being cynically set against Russians, essentially turning them into cannon fodder," he said.
"And all of this is accompanied by talk about the European choice. What a choice! We certainly do not need this. We will protect ourselves, our people, let no one have any illusions in this regard," Putin said.
At the same time, Putin said that Russia's role is not limited only to protecting itself.
"This may sound a little pathetic, but the very existence of Russia is a guarantee that the world will retain its multicolored nature, diversity, complexity, and this is a guarantee for successful development. And I can say now that these are not my words, I am often told this by our friends from all regions of the world. I am not exaggerating anything," Putin said.
Putin also said that Russia does not impose anything on anyone and will never do so.