Russian President Vladimir Putin says Western leaders are playing a game that is "dangerous, bloody and dirty." He blames them for escalating the war in Ukraine and destabilizing world markets for food and energy. And he accuses them of engaging in "nuclear blackmail."

Putin attended the Valdai Discussion Club's annual conference in Moscow on Thursday. He said the world is at a historic turning point, and that what lies ahead is "probably the most dangerous, unpredictable and important decade" since the end of World War Two.

Putin said the dominance of Western leaders in world affairs is "coming to an end." He added they are trying to "manage humanity" but that most other world leaders are tired of their efforts.

Putin repeated claims that Ukrainian leaders plan to use a missile with radioactive material, then accuse his forces of a nuclear strike. He said Russian military doctrine only permits the use of nuclear weapons as a defense. He also denied accusations his troops are attacking the Zaporizhzhia nuclear complex because, he says, they "control" the site.

Putin said Western leaders have failed in trying to bring about a Russian economic "collapse." He said the peak of economic turmoil has passed, and that trade with China is rising, with relations at an "unprecedented" level.