Vladimir Putin has given his annual state of the nation address, two weeks before Russia’s 2024 presidential election. Putin warned that any deployment of Western troops in Ukraine would have “tragic” consequences, claiming that Western rhetoric threatened a “conflict with the use of nuclear arms and consequently the destruction of civilisation”. He also said the Russian military has the “initiative” in the two-year, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and is advancing in a number of areas.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Western countries against sending troops to Ukraine, stating the consequences would be “tragic.”
- In his annual state of the nation address, Putin accused the West of trying to engage Russia in an arms race and said Russia needs to bolster its western border defenses due to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.
- Putin claimed the West “provoked” the conflict in Ukraine and is falsely stating that Russia intends to attack Europe.
- He referenced comments by French President Macron about not excluding the possibility of sending NATO ground troops to Ukraine, warning of “tragic” consequences for potential interveners and mentioning Russia’s capability to strike targets in those countries.
- Putin highlighted the threat of nuclear conflict and the potential destruction of civilization, questioning if the West understands these risks.
- Several NATO countries, including the US, Germany, and the UK, have ruled out deploying ground troops to Ukraine.
- The US criticized Putin’s remarks on nuclear warfare as “irresponsible,” with State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stating it’s inappropriate for a leader of a nuclear-armed state and noting no evidence of Russia planning to use such weapons.
- Putin boasted about Russia’s advanced weaponry and the readiness of its strategic nuclear forces.
- He referred to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a “war,” despite previously insisting it be called a “special military operation.”
- Putin claimed a majority of Russians support his decision to invade Ukraine, framing it as a unifying fight against Western attempts to weaken Russia.
- He dismissed US accusations of Russia developing nuclear weapons for use against satellites.
- Putin’s speech, seen as part of his election program, covered domestic issues like tax modernization, pensions, and initiatives to increase Russia’s birth rate and life expectancy.
- He encouraged physical activity and reduced alcohol consumption with a humorous remark: “Stop drinking and start skiing!”
- The speech, lasting a record two hours, was attended by senior politicians, CEOs of major Russian companies, and religious leaders, and broadcast widely across Russia.
- There was no mention of the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who many viewed as Putin’s main opponent, and who died in a penal colony under unclear circumstances.
Putin warns of nuclear war if NATO sends troops to Ukraine pic.twitter.com/Hm6u7G7yGW
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) February 29, 2024
PUTIN: “By 2028, the BRICS countries will generate about 37% of global GDP, “while the index of the G7 will fall below 28%.”
PUTIN: “By 2028, the BRICS countries will generate about 37% of global GDP, “while the index of the G7 will fall below 28%.” pic.twitter.com/zlEoUOhH3I
— COMBATE |🇵🇷 (@upholdreality) February 29, 2024
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