‘Let’s Better Live in Friendship,’ Putin Tells West, Says Russia Cannot Be Intimidated
‘Let’s Better Live in Friendship,’ Putin Tells West, Says Russia Cannot Be Intimidated
Key points from the Russian president’s statements at a meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission:▪️External threats facing Russia are not decreasing, Putin said, noting that NATO is expanding and increasing its presence in different regions of the world▪️He pointed to NATO exercises in the Baltic Sea aimed at practicing the seizure of civilian vessels, saying Russia is ready to respond to any attempts to seize its vessels▪️Putin stressed that Russia’s military and security structures must remain prepared to respond quickly and effectively to potential external threats▪️Strengthening Russia’s nuclear triad remains an unconditional priority, while the president called for further development of defense capabilities through a new long-term State Armament Program based on global developments and lessons learned from the special military operation▪️Putin noted that the level of modernity of armaments in Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces has reached 92% and instructed that the satellite constellation needed for troop command and control be fully completed▪️He also called for Russia’s air defense systems to ensure the destruction of any means of aerospace attack▪️According to Putin, European leaders are using claims about alleged threats from Russia and preparations for war to cover failures in economic policies, governance mistakes, and declining public support▪️He said European leaders are ignoring citizens’ opposition to conflict and are continuing to escalate tensions instead of seeking cooperation with Russia▪️Putin stated that Russia has no aggressive intentions toward Europe and is ready for cooperation and the restoration of relations with European countries▪️He accused the West of using Ukrainians as “cannon fodder” and claimed that Kiev authorities are prolonging the conflict to remain in power▪️Putin stated that authorities in Kiev have become corrupt, usurped power, prevented elections, and blocked peace negotiations▪️He criticized Western attempts to present the Kiev authorities as defenders of democracy, saying the Ukrainian government has turned into a dictatorship
Key points from the Russian president’s statements at a meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission:▪️External threats facing Russia are not decreasing, Putin said, noting that NATO is expanding and increasing its presence in different regions of the world▪️He pointed to NATO exercises in the Baltic Sea aimed at practicing the seizure of civilian vessels, saying Russia is ready to respond to any attempts to seize its vessels▪️Putin stressed that Russia’s military and security structures must remain prepared to respond quickly and effectively to potential external threats▪️Strengthening Russia’s nuclear triad remains an unconditional priority, while the president called for further development of defense capabilities through a new long-term State Armament Program based on global developments and lessons learned from the special military operation▪️Putin noted that the level of modernity of armaments in Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces has reached 92% and instructed that the satellite constellation needed for troop command and control be fully completed▪️He also called for Russia’s air defense systems to ensure the destruction of any means of aerospace attack▪️According to Putin, European leaders are using claims about alleged threats from Russia and preparations for war to cover failures in economic policies, governance mistakes, and declining public support▪️He said European leaders are ignoring citizens’ opposition to conflict and are continuing to escalate tensions instead of seeking cooperation with Russia▪️Putin stated that Russia has no aggressive intentions toward Europe and is ready for cooperation and the restoration of relations with European countries▪️He accused the West of using Ukrainians as “cannon fodder” and claimed that Kiev authorities are prolonging the conflict to remain in power▪️Putin stated that authorities in Kiev have become corrupt, usurped power, prevented elections, and blocked peace negotiations▪️He criticized Western attempts to present the Kiev authorities as defenders of democracy, saying the Ukrainian government has turned into a dictatorship