Vladimir Putin has once again made it clear he’s not interested in playing by the West’s rules.
In a pointed message to Western leaders, he said:
“Who do you think you are? All we ever hear is: You must… You have to… We’re warning you… Who even are you?”
There was nothing vague about it. This was not a diplomatic comment or a slip of the tongue. It was a deliberate statement from a head of state who sees the current world order as something worth challenging. And he’s doing it openly.
For years, Western governments have spoken to the rest of the world as if their authority is automatic and permanent. Whether it's military intervention, economic policy, or international law, they’ve positioned themselves as the ones who set the terms. That posture is wearing thin.
Putin’s words hit a nerve because they reflect what more countries are starting to say quietly, and in some cases, not so quietly. The United States and Europe no longer hold the uncontested power they once did. They can’t enforce their will everywhere, and not everyone fears their warnings anymore.
It doesn’t mean that Russia is above criticism. But who is really the west, the military industrial complex, who is behind all this ? Pretending this is just empty rhetoric would be a mistake. He’s tapping into a shift that’s already underway, one where power is more contested, and old hierarchies don’t hold like they used to.
The reaction from Western officials will likely be the usual mix of outrage and dismissal. But under the surface, the balance is moving. The people who used to issue the warnings are now the ones being warned.
That matters.
All my analyses or reports are free to read, thanks to the generosity of my readers. Independent journalism nonetheless requires investment, so if you value this article or any others, please consider sharing, or even becoming a paid subscriber. Your support is always gratefully received, and will never be forgotten. To buy me a coffee or two, please click this link.
buymeacoffee.com/ggtv
Share this post