In this discussion, Vitaly Portnikov analyzes two major international events of the week: the summit in China marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan, and an urgent meeting of European leaders involving Volodymyr Zelenskyy and responses from the West to statements by China, Russia, and India.
Portnikov emphasizes the demonstrative nature of the events in China, noting the participation of leaders such as Putin, Kim Jong Un, the Chinese president, and India’s prime minister, against a background of perceived US political weakness. Despite the symbolism of the nuclear triad, China’s actual nuclear potential still lags behind that of the United States and Russia.
The summit participants in China confirmed the existence of an alternative economic and political world order. However, as Portnikov stresses, there have been no fundamental changes in relations between China and the West. India continues to balance its ties with both Russia and the West, keeping its options open.
The expert draws attention to China’s resource support for sanctioned countries — Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Such support is not new; its scale is more demonstrative than pragmatic regarding a new world order.
Portnikov also addressed Russia’s true goal: he believes that Russian initiatives for peace agreements involve capitulation demands for Ukraine, such as control over territories and constitutional changes. The main aim of Russia, however, is to destabilize Ukraine internally and provoke social upheaval.
The West is seeking ways to guarantee security after the active phase of the war, discussing the possibility of deploying troops and post-war guarantees, but so far no unified strategy has been achieved. The blitzkrieg map remains relevant in Russian plans, despite the changed situation on the ground.
At the end of the interview, Portnikov comments on the killing of Parubiy as part of the FSB’s campaign of terror, arguing such actions are aimed at fighting the very idea of Ukrainian identity.
In summary, Portnikov asserts that the world is in a state of political game where symbolism, shows of strength, and information warfare are inseparable from real conflicts and the search for long-term solutions.
