Putin Warns of Global Tensions Similar to 1930s in Davos Speech

  • Russian leader says pandemic, social division fueling unrest
  • Putin gave his first Davos speech since 2009 as prime minister

Vladimir Putin addressed the World Economic Forum on Jan. 27 for the first time in 12 years.

Photographer: Pascal Bitz/World Economic Forum

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said the world risks sliding into an “all against all” conflict amid tensions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and growing economic inequality.

Addressing the World Economic Forum on Wednesday for the first time in 12 years, Putin drew parallels with the 1930s when he said a failure to resolve international problems sparked World War II.