Russia seeks security pact
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.America's self-styled role as the world's dominant power is undermining global security, the Russian President has claimed.
"A desire by the United States to consolidate its global domination led to it missing a historical chance... to build a truly democratic world order," Dmitry Medvedev said of US actions since the attacks of 11 September 2001.
Mr Medvedev also suggested that US economic dominance had added to turmoil on financial markets around the world. Russia's war with Georgia in August showed the security mechanism in Europe, based around Nato and the US, needed a major overhaul, he added. He proposed a new security pact to ban the use of force or the threat of its use, and would make clear that no single country, including Russia, would have a monopoly on providing security for the continent.
In an unusually emotional speech, Mr Medvedev said Washington passed up a historic chance for a new partnership after the 9/11 attacks, when Moscow offered to join Washington in fighting terrorism. The invasion of Iraq and Washington's plans to station elements of a missile defence shield in eastern Europe scotched that partnership.
"After toppling the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the US started a series of unilateral actions," he said. "As a result, a trend appeared in international relations towards creating dividing lines." He said Western policymakers viewed Russia through an outdated Cold War mindset. About the world's financial turmoil, Mr Medvedev said "economic egotism" was a contributing factor, a term coined to describe US policy. Russia has suffered badly from the fall in global markets.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments