These questions were answered in great detail in Imperialism the Highest Stage of Capitalism. Ex-Marxist Kautsky took the position that Imperialists can work together to prevent war. Lenin proved him wrong by saying Monopoly Capitalism needs war to open new markets and redivide the world.
Three things could explain the article, mistranslation, Joseph Stalin can make mistakes on theory and position, the soviet union didn't want to provoke war with the Imperialist states and was walking a tight-rope in terms of diplomacy.