I want to show a new vector of policy that will be there when I

In the grand sweep of history, there are moments when leaders rise, not to conquer lands, but to forge new paths—vectors of policy—that will guide their people toward a future of peace and prosperity. Ksenia Sobchak, a modern-day voice for change, speaks of such a path, one that is built not on conflict, but on the foundation of friendship with America and the European Union. Her words, “I want to show a new vector of policy that will be there when I will become a president. And my vector is friendship with America and friendship with the European Union,” are not merely declarations of intent; they are a vision, a new direction that seeks to heal old wounds and build bridges where once there were walls.

To understand the weight of Sobchak’s vision, we must look back to the great leaders of history who, like her, sought not just power, but the lasting peace that comes from diplomacy and alliances. The great Cyrus the Great, for example, did not merely conquer lands—he united them through alliances, understanding that a nation’s true strength lies not in domination, but in the ability to foster friendship among diverse peoples. His conquests were marked by wisdom, as he forged lasting partnerships with the peoples of the Near East, creating a kingdom where peace was cultivated through mutual respect and shared purpose. This was a leader who understood that true power lies in connection, in forging ties that transcend the immediate, and that the peace he sought would come not from the sword, but from the handshake.

In Sobchak’s vision, there is a recognition of this same truth: friendship is the most potent form of diplomacy. In the ancient world, it was often the alliance between nations, built on shared values, that determined the fate of empires. The Roman Empire did not rise to greatness by conquering every nation, but by cultivating strategic friendships with neighboring kingdoms and republics. In these friendships, there was the exchange of knowledge, trade, and culture, which made the empire stronger than any individual victory could. Similarly, Sobchak’s desire to align her nation with the United States and the European Union speaks to a larger, timeless principle: that nations are strongest when they stand together, united by shared values and mutual respect, rather than divided by rivalry and fear.

Yet, it is not an easy path that Sobchak envisions. In times of tension, it is far easier to build walls than to extend hands of friendship. Diplomacy, after all, is an art that requires great patience and foresight. The ancient Greek city-states, though bound by shared heritage, often found themselves at odds with one another, each vying for supremacy. Yet, it was the wisdom of Pericles who understood that Athens could not stand alone; it needed alliances. His vision was one of unity, as he forged the Delian League, a partnership of city-states that would protect and benefit all its members. Sobchak’s vision of aligning with the West is a modern equivalent—recognizing that in an increasingly interconnected world, no nation can afford to stand apart from the global community.

There is, of course, risk in such alliances. The winds of politics shift like the tides, and what seems like a promise of lasting friendship may one day be tested by forces beyond any individual’s control. Yet, the true strength of any leader lies in their willingness to seek peace even when it is difficult, to forge alliances that benefit not just the present, but the future. The Cold War is a prime example of the dangers of division—when nations were divided by ideological and political rifts, the world was held hostage by the fear of war. Yet, in the end, it was the leaders who dared to reach across the divide, such as Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, who began the process of dismantling these barriers, recognizing that lasting peace comes not from isolation, but from understanding and cooperation.

The lesson that Sobchak’s words impart is one of courage and wisdom. In an age where the temptation to divide and conquer is ever-present, she urges us to look beyond the immediate tensions and focus on the long-term benefits of cooperation. In our own lives, we are called to do the same. Friendship—whether between individuals, communities, or nations—requires effort, trust, and, above all, a commitment to something greater than ourselves. Just as Sobchak seeks to build a future where Russia stands in friendship with the West, so too must we build connections that foster mutual respect and understanding, even in the face of adversity.

Thus, let us take this wisdom to heart. In our own relationships, let us strive for the same vision of diplomacy and peace that Sobchak seeks for her country. Let us build friendships that transcend borders, that go beyond immediate differences and focus on the shared humanity that binds us all. In our families, our communities, and our nations, we have the power to shape the future through mutual respect, understanding, and the courage to reach out, even when the path is uncertain. And in doing so, we too will forge a vector of peace that will carry us forward, not as isolated individuals, but as united peoples, standing together in friendship and strength.