On October 1, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in the plenary session of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club, held under the theme “Responsibility for the Future: Limits of the Possible, or Limitless Possibilities?” The session was moderated by Fyodor Lukyanov, Editor-in-Chief of the journal Russia in Global Affairs and Research Director of the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai Discussion Club.

 

Read the transcript of the plenary session of the Valdai Annual Meeting here.

The Club’s flagship conference brought together 120 participants from 40 countries, including Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Participants addressed a wide range of issues, including the transformation of the world order, states’ responsibility for the future, prospects for international dialogue, nuclear deterrence, and the militarisation of public consciousness. Discussions also focused on the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence and unmanned systems in armed conflicts, as well as the resilience of the global economy amid military and political upheaval. Particular attention was paid to Asia’s growing role, the outlook for the Middle East, and Europe’s future.

The annual Valdai report, “Keep Calm: The State and Responsibility for the Future”, was presented on the opening day of the meeting.

Details about the Valdai Club’s Annual Meeting can be found here.