Putin calls for ‘just world’, says every nation must be free to choose its own path

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a more equitable global order in which every country is free to determine its own development path without external interference.

Putin made the call in a message to participants and guests of the 2026 International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on September 13.

Addressing young leaders from across the world, the Russian leader placed national sovereignty, equality and access to essential resources at the centre of his vision for international cooperation.