SOCHI, November 7. /TASS/. Russia does not perceive Western civilization as an enemy and never promotes in its policy the "either us or them" or "whoever is not with us is against us" principles, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club.

"I want to emphasize again: unlike our opponents, Russia does not perceive Western civilization as an enemy. It does not raise the question 'us-or-them,' or 'who is not with us is against us' way. We never say so," Putin stressed.

"The former hegemons, who have been in the habit of ruling the world since colonial times, are increasingly surprised to discover that they are no longer being obeyed," the Russian leader stated. In his opinion, "attempts to retain the waning power by force lead only to general instability and soaring tensions, to casualties and destruction," Putin said. "But such attempts do not ensure the result which those who wish to retain their absolute, undivided power are striving. The march of history cannot be stopped."

In his opinion, "instead of realizing the futility of their aspirations and the objective nature of change, some Western elites seem ready to go to great lengths to prevent the emergence of a new international system that meets the interests of the world majority.".