Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that tensions between major powers could continue to fuel international conflicts as the global balance of power undergoes significant changes.

Putin made the remarks on Thursday, October 1, while addressing the annual Valdai Discussion Club meeting in Russia. According to Reuters, the Russian leader said the changes taking place internationally were creating new opportunities but could also encourage countries to take greater risks in pursuing their interests.

He said the emerging global environment could remain unstable in the coming years, while stressing the need to prevent catastrophic outcomes. Putin also argued that the decline of what he described as Western dominance could eventually contribute to an improvement in the international situation.

The Russian president’s comments come as Moscow remains involved in the war in Ukraine and continues to face tensions with Western countries. The remarks also come amid broader geopolitical disputes involving Russia, Europe and the United States, with the Ukraine conflict remaining a major source of international friction.