In his State of the Union speech, Kremlin leader Putin reacts to ideas in the West about sending troops from NATO countries to Ukraine. The consequences of such a move could be tragic.
In his speech to the nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin once again warned the West about the power of the nuclear power’s weapons.
When making threatening gestures, the West should remember that Russia also has weapons that could hit targets in the area, he said on Thursday in Moscow in front of more than 1,000 representatives from politics, business, culture and religion. The 71-year-old emphasized that escalation and the use of nuclear weapons could lead to the “extinction of civilization.” It was not a “cartoon,” said Putin.
Specifically, he also warned NATO states against sending military contingents to Ukraine to fight against Russian troops. The consequences of such a move could be tragic, he said. At the same time, the president dismissed claims that Russia wanted to attack the West as “nonsense.” Rather, the country will increase its armaments complex for its own security and also further strengthen the western flank of the giant empire because of the danger posed by NATO expansion.
Putin once again offered the USA a dialogue on strategic security in the world. Russia and the USA had suspended or terminated several disarmament treaties in the course of their conflict. Russia is ready for new talks if the USA stops aiming for Moscow’s strategic defeat.
Putin: Majority of Russians support military operation
According to Putin, the war of aggression against Ukraine is supported by the “absolute majority of the population.” In his address to the Federal Assembly – the State Duma and the Federation Council – he thanked citizens and entrepreneurs for their support in the “special military operation.” The people work in three shifts to meet the needs of the front. He called for a minute’s silence for the fallen.
Putin also commemorated the 10th anniversary of the annexation of Crimea, when Russia incorporated Ukraine’s Black Sea peninsula in 2014. The country looks with pride at the event and what it has achieved. “Together we can do anything,” Putin said. Russia will not allow anyone to interfere in its internal affairs.
It is Putin’s 19th State of the Nation Address. The President last gave the speech in February 2023 and declared the suspension of the New Start nuclear disarmament treaty. In the first year of the war he skipped the State of the Union address.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
