Putin defends Russia's 'sovereign course' ahead of UN assembly

President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would pursue its "sovereign course" on the international stage, ahead of the UN General Assembly.

After two years of pandemic restrictions and video addresses, the annual summit is returning in person, with the UN again asking leaders to come in person if they wish to speak -- with the sole exception made for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"As for Russia, we will not deviate from our sovereign course," the Russian leader said in televised remarks.

He said that Russia as a permanent member of the Security Council would work towards unity, help tackle global problems and "contribute to the settlement of acute regional conflicts".

Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, will address the General Assembly this year.

Putin, during a televised meeting with newly appointed foreign ambassadors in Moscow, cautioned that global development was being hindered by the role of the United States abroad.

"Unfortunately, the development of a multipolar world is meeting resistance from those who are trying to retain their role as hegemon and control everything in Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa," he said in an  opaque reference to the West and the United States.

"This hegemony has been doing quite well for quite a long time, but it cannot go on like this forever, it is impossible," the Russian leader said.