Consequences would be “tragic”
Putin warns West against deploying troops in Ukraine
February 29, 2024, 10:43 a.m
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Around two weeks before the Russian presidential election, Putin speaks to his people. In his speech, he invoked Russia’s solidarity in the fight against the West. He repeats his threat to NATO that Russia has “long-range weapons” that could lead to nuclear war.
According to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is supported by the “absolute majority of the population”. The Russian president said this in his state of the nation speech. The economy is also behind the “special operation,” said Putin. In his address to the Federal Assembly – the State Duma and the Federation Council – he thanked citizens and entrepreneurs for their support in the “military special operation.”
He warned the West against deploying troops in Ukraine. The consequences of such a step would be tragic, says Putin: “I would like to remember the fate of those who previously sent contingents to our country. People in the West should understand that we also have powerful weapons.” Anyone who speaks like that risks a nuclear war. Putin says Russia has weapons that can hit targets in Western territory.
Russia is made up of many ethnic groups and cultures that are all “welded together”. “We are all fighting together for our country,” Putin continued, saying everyone is fighting for their freedom. He then asked for a minute’s silence for the fallen soldiers. The West, on the other hand, is interested in a “weak country” – Ukraine.
Russia is capable of achieving its military goals in Ukraine. “We will do everything we can to end this operation with peace,” Putin claimed. The West is trying to force Russia to defeat. That’s why “a whole series of measures” have to be taken because
West challenges Russia to a military race.
Putin also commemorated the 10th 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 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.