The myth of Russian humiliation

[OUTLAW 09]

Putin's response to journalist questions today seems to shot holes in the Russian "humiliation" arguments.

'I don't think the USA is a threat to us," says Putin. But 'policy of the (US) ruling circles is mistaken'

Tobi Gati asking Putin who are "they" in his attacks on US - Obama? Foreign policy elite? American people?

Well played Neil Buckley, asked important Q on Russian soldiers rather than worrying about his invite next year. Putin completely ignored it.

No surprise: Putin confirms Moscow helped former Ukraine President Yanukovich flee to Russia last Feb amid protests and police crackdown

Putin on Yanukovych flight: "I won't hide it, we helped him get to Crimea. Even though Crimea was still part of Ukraine."

Did anyone notice not once did he repeat any of the "humiliation" charges Russia and Putin were so fond of during the Crimea.

[OUTLAW 09]

Notice there is no longer any Russian FM nor Putin comments responding to the "alleged" "humiliation reasons" stated so often by them during the Crimean event.

From RIA today:

SOCHI, October 24 (RIA Novosti) - US widespread interference and dictatorship lead to the escalation of conflicts worldwide, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.

"The exсeptionalism of the United States, the way they implement their leadership, is it really a benefit? And their worldwide intervention brings peace and stability, progress and peak of democracy? Maybe we should relax and enjoy this splendor? No!" Putin stressed at the plenary session of the 11th meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club.

"Unilateral dictatorship and obtrusion of the patterns leads to opposite result. Instead of conflicts settlement – their escalation. Instead of sovereign, stable states - growing chaos. Instead of democracy – support for very dubious public, such as neo-Nazis and Islamic extremists," Putin said.

[OUTLAW 09]

Wow--first Russian complains of being constantly "humiliated by the West because they were a superpower"--NOW it is the reverse Russia does not want to be WHAT a "superpower?---really?

Russia doesn't claim superpower's role - Putin

SOCHI. Oct 24 (Interfax) - Russia is not going to portray itself as a superpower, but it will not allow interference in its internal affairs, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Does Russia claim the role of a superpower's? No. This is quite a burden for us. What do we need this for? We need a lot of resources, time and strength to develop our own territories. We don't need to meddle anywhere and command anything, but don't you meddle in our affairs, don't pose as arbiters of the world's fates - and that's it. If Russia's leadership in anything is possible, then it's in defending international law," Putin said at a plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi on Friday.

Russia believes that, instead of imposing one's interests on others, it should help build a balanced system of relations in the world, he said.

"Can it be that someone might not reckon with anything, while we can't defend our vital interests and those of the Russian-speaking people and the Russian population in Crimea? It can't be this way. And I want everyone to come to understanding this. You should get rid of this temptation and attempts to comb the world as you see fit but build a balanced system of interests and relations, which was stipulated long ago, and all you should do is treat this with respect," Putin said.

"Yes, we perfectly understand that the world has changed, and we are ready to listen to this and adjust this system accordingly. But we can't allow our interests to be fully ignored, and will never allow this," he said.