Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the United States of escalating conflicts around the world by imposing what he called a "unilateral diktat."
Putin made the remarks in a combative speech to political experts at the Valdai International Discussion Club, in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi.
Putin said the United States has been "fighting against the results of its own policy" in Iraq, Libya and Syria.
He said risks of serious conflicts involving major countries have risen, as well as risks of arms treaties being violated.
He also dismissed international sanctions over Russia's actions in Ukraine as a "mistake," saying they aimed at pushing Russia into isolation and would end up "hurting everyone."
We did not start this," he added, referring to rising tensions between Russia and the West.
