Updated on Thursday, February 29, 2024 – 1:09 p.m
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was warning NATO that the consequences of sending troops to Ukraine would be “tragic.” In addition, it was noted that Russia has “weapons that can reach its territory.”
In his annual speech to parliament, he described allegations that Moscow was considering an attack on Europe as “nonsense.”
“They began to talk about the possibility of sending NATO military contingents to Ukraine, but we remember the fate of those who once sent troops to the territory of our country. But now the consequences for possible interventionists will be much more tragic,” Putin said during the state of the nation address to both houses of the Russian parliament.
These words refer to the statements made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who indicated on Monday that sending troops to Ukraine should not be ruled out.
Russia needs to strengthen its western military district after Sweden and Finland join NATORussian President Vladimir Putin said this on Thursday. Finland has a long land border with northwest Russia. Putin also said that anyone who tried to invade Russia would have harsher consequences than in World War IIbecause the country now had weapons that could hit targets in enemy territory.
Continue with the threatening tone assured NATO countries that they would risk a nuclear conflict if they send troops to Ukraine, adding that Russia needs to strengthen its western military district after the admission of Finland and Sweden to the Atlantic Alliance.
The United States and key European allies said this week they had no plans to send ground troops to Ukraine after France hinted at the possibility.
The Russian leader said he would do everything to end the war in Ukraine and eradicate Nazism in the neighboring country. “It was not Russia that started the war in Donbas, but we will do everything we can to end it.” eradicate National Socialism and achieve the objectives of the special military operation (in Ukraine),” the Russian leader said
“Our units are firmly committed to the initiative. They are advancing safely in a number of areas and liberating more and more areas,” he announced.
Putin also highlighted the combat experience gained by Moscow troops during the two years of war and called on lawmakers to observe a minute of silence for Russian soldiers killed in the war. Furthermore, he assured that support for the war campaign remains the majority in society.
“If the Fatherland defends its sovereignty and security and protects the lives of its compatriots in Donetsk and Novorossa, the decisive role in this just struggle belongs to Russian citizens, their unity, their commitment to their homeland and their responsibility for its fate.” stated .
Parallel to Putin's speech, the Russian Defense Ministry published its daily report in which it reported on the “improvement of the positions” of its troops, including in southern Ukraine.
In a more conciliatory tone, the president also signaled his willingness to talk to the US about strategic stability, but rejected any attempt to force Russia into talks.
During his speech, Putin said that Russia has deployed advanced weapons systems, including Zircon hypersonic missiles, and maintained the military advantage in Ukraine.