ST PETERSBURG, Russia (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin made the following comments at a plenary session of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday. Putin spoke in Russian.

Vladimir Putin expressed worry about a possible World War III. He cited conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Putin mentioned talks with Benjamin Netanyahu, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Donald Trump. He criticized Western dominance and promoted a balanced world order.

Russia is attempting to navigate the Israel-Iran war from a position of limited influence, urging de-escalation while quietly seeing some strategic benefits. -The conflict has raised oil prices, a boon for Russia’s economy,