Putin Says Russia Rejects Western Attempts to Influence Sovereign Nations

Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken out against what he described as Western attempts to interfere in the affairs of sovereign nations, arguing that Moscow rejects the principles underlying the so-called "rules-based international order." Putin's message was delivered to participants of the Primakov Readings international forum and was read aloud by presidential aide Yuri Ushakov. According to the Russian leader, many countries increasingly question a global system that, in his view, allows powerful states to exert pressure on others and influence their political decisions.