“Everything the West invents to scare the world creates the real threat of conflict with the use of nuclear weapons, which means the destruction of civilization,” Putin said. He warned NATO countries against sending military contingents to Ukraine to fight Russian troops. At the same time, he dismissed claims that Russia wanted to attack the West as “absurd.”
Instead, the country will increase its weapons complex for its own security and will also further strengthen the giant empire's western flank due to the danger posed by NATO expansion.
Offer to Washington
Putin once again offered the US a dialogue on strategic security in the world. Russia and the US have suspended or terminated several disarmament treaties over the course of their conflict. Russia is ready for new talks if the US stops aiming for Moscow's strategic defeat.
APA/AFP/Alexander Nemenov Putin in his speech: The head of the Kremlin warned of the “destruction of civilization”
A strong global order is not possible without a strong Russia, he said. He is ready to talk about a “Eurasian security architecture”. The US dismantled security in Europe. The West is trying to drag Russia into an arms race. In this context, Putin criticized the admission of Finland and Sweden to NATO.
Putin: People support war in Ukraine
As for Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, Putin said it was supported by the “absolute majority of the population.” In his speech to the Federal Assembly – the State Duma and the Federation Council – he thanked citizens and companies for their support in the “special military operation”, the term used by the Kremlin for the invasion.
debate
How much is Ukraine worth to the West?
People work “in three shifts” to meet the needs of the front. He asked for a minute of silence for the fallen. Putin made people sit up and take notice when he said Russia has a “generation of commanders who care about their soldiers.” Western military analysts and the leadership of the Ukrainian army have repeatedly reported that Russia's commanders use their soldiers ruthlessly, resulting in high losses, most recently in the battle for Avdiivka.
Putin: Country looks “with pride” at the annexation of Crimea
In his speech, Putin also recalled the tenth anniversary of the annexation of Crimea, when Russia annexed the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula in 2014. The country looks “with pride” at the event and what it achieved. “Together we can do anything,” he said. Russia will not allow anyone to interfere in its internal affairs.