Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the risk of nuclear warfare with Russia if NATO forces were to be deployed in Ukraine.
During his annual state-of-the-nation address, Putin stressed that Russia possesses the capability to target NATO territories, potentially leading to a nuclear conflict and catastrophic consequences. “Why don’t they understand this?” he questioned, as per an EBU broadcast.
In his annual address to the Federal Assembly on Thursday, the President affirmed that Russia is ready for dialogue with all interested countries, including the US, on creating a new pattern of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia.
“It is obvious that it is necessary to work on forming a new pattern of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia in the foreseeable future,” Putin said.
This warning came shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron hinted at discussions among European and Western leaders in Paris about the potential deployment of ground troops to Ukraine, a proposition that has not been entirely dismissed.
NATO nations have since been quick to refute any plans to deploy troops to Ukraine, amidst Russian cautions that such actions would inevitably lead to a conflict between Russia and NATO.
In his extensive speech to Russian legislators, Putin accused Western nations of attempting to engage Russia in an arms race and declared Russia’s openness to dialogue with the U.S. on strategic stability.
He also spoke about Russia’s resilience against threats from “international terrorism” and the “colonial West,” which he claimed was attempting to sow discord within Russia.
Putin rallied the nation, praising its citizens, industries, businesses, and military personnel for their contributions to protecting Russia.
He emphasized Russia’s capability to address severe challenges, including combating international terrorism and maintaining national unity.
The Russian president honored the military’s sacrifices with a moment of silence and lauded their significant combat experience gained in Ukraine.
He claimed Russian forces were advancing and “liberating” territories while reiterating unverified assertions about combating a “Nazi” regime in Ukraine. Putin accused the West of instigating the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Shifting the focus to domestic issues, Putin encouraged Russian families to grow and expressed his commitment to addressing low-income levels and improving life expectancy in Russia.
