China News Service, February 21 (Meng Xiangjun) On February 21 local time, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered the 2023 State of the Union address to the Russian Federation Parliament, once again clarifying the purpose of the Russian military's special military operations in Ukraine, and strongly criticizing the United States and the West. .

　　Putin also emphasized that it is impossible to "defeat Russia on the battlefield."

Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Sheng Jiapeng

Talking about special military operations in Ukraine—Russia is "invincible"

　　Putin said that this time, he delivered the State of the Union address at "the most difficult moment for Russia".

The State of the Union address was delivered "at a time of irreversible change in the world, at a time of the most important historical event that will determine the future of our people."

　　Putin clarified that Russia launched special military operations against Ukraine to defend Russia itself and eliminate the "Nazi threat."

He disclosed that negotiations on supplying weapons and equipment to Ukraine were going on before the start of Russia's special military operation.

And the Kiev regime "has attempted to acquire nuclear weapons."

　　Russia had "did everything possible to resolve the peace issue and was very patient," but had "prepared another version," Putin said.

On February 20, 2023 local time, US President Biden and Ukrainian President Zelensky met and talked in front of a church in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine.

　　Putin also pointed out that the West is preparing to turn Ukraine into a "launch pad full of weapons" to attack Russia, which means that Moscow must act before then.

　　He promised that Russia will earnestly and continuously complete the tasks of special military operations. He emphasized that it is impossible to "defeat Russia on the battlefield."

　　Putin also announced a minute of silence for the situation in Donbass and the victims of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine.

He also thanked military journalists for their work in special operations theaters, and said he would set up a fund to help the families of soldiers and veterans who died in special operations.

Talking about the actions of the United States and the West-"I want Russia to perish"

　　In his State of the Union address, Putin aimed his spearhead at the United States and the West.

Data map: Ukrainian soldiers fired at Russian positions using M777 howitzers provided by the United States.

　　He bluntly said that it was the United States and Western countries that started the "war".

　　Putin pointed out that the West "does not hide their desire for Russia to perish forever" and has spent 150 billion U.S. dollars in military aid to Ukraine, and so far, the flow of funds has not decreased.

The West hopes to turn this regional crisis into a global confrontation.

　　Regarding the supply of long-range ammunition by the West to Ukraine, Putin stated that he would take countermeasures.

He noted that the more Ukraine has long-range combat systems, the more Russia will move "threats farther from our borders."

　　Putin further criticized that the US military bases are "placed all over the world", and that no country has so many military bases abroad like the US.

He pointed out that the war launched by the United States since 2001 has so far caused nearly 900,000 deaths and more than 38 million refugees.

Talking about nuclear weapons - Russia suspends arms reduction treaty with US

　　It is worth noting that Putin made a "big move" in this State of the Union address, announcing that Russia will suspend its participation in the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" previously signed with the United States.

There are 14 missiles placed in front of a Russian Tu-95MS bomber.

Image source: Russian Ministry of Defense

　　He pointed out that the conditions for the United States to ask Russia to return to the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" included allowing inspections of nuclear facilities. Russian intentions.

　　Putin said that after the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the United States tried to consolidate its global hegemony regardless of the interests of other countries.

NATO countries led by the United States continue to strengthen their nuclear arsenals to deal with Russia.

　　He further stated that there is also news that the United States has considered conducting an actual nuclear weapons test.

Once the United States is the first to do so, then the Russian Ministry of Defense and Rosatom should also prepare to conduct nuclear weapons tests.

　　He also pointed out that the latest system equipment level of Russia's nuclear deterrent force exceeds 90%, but this level should be spread to the entire army.

Talking about Russia's economy - Sanctions initiators "wrong calculation"

　　Talking about Russia's economic situation after being sanctioned by the West, Putin believes that Russia is entering a "new economic cycle" and its structure has completely new characteristics.

Data map: Ruble.

　　Regarding foreign trade settlement, Putin pointed out that the share of the ruble in Russia's foreign trade settlement has doubled to one-third, and if the currencies of friendly countries are considered, the share will exceed half.

　　Inflation in Russia will be close to 4 percent of the target index by mid-2023, while inflation in the EU has already reached 12 percent, he said.

　　Regarding the purpose of the anti-Russian sanctions, Putin believes that the West has personally reduced the dollar settlement.

They "want the people to suffer and destabilize the country from within, but their calculations are wrong".

The initiators of the sanctions against Russia are "punishing themselves", triggering price increases in their own country, and then saying "it's the fault of the Russians".

　　Putin emphasized that Russia does not need to "bow down and beg" abroad because of its balance of payments.

Talking about the cultural characteristics of Russia—"an open and promise-keeping country"

　　Putin also stated in his State of the Union address that Russia is an open country with a unique civilization, but "does not pursue particularity and superiority in this respect."

　　Putin said that Russia will make friends with people and keep its promises. This country "will not let anyone down and will always support in difficult situations", just like helping Western countries during the epidemic.

　　For example, he said, "Everyone remembers how Russia supported Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic", which is the "expression of character" of the Russian people.

Talking about elections - in strict accordance with the law

　　Regarding the 2024 Russian presidential election, Putin said that the election will be conducted strictly in accordance with the law.

Data map: Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered the State of the Nation Address.

This State of the Union Address, Putin himself wrote

　　The Russian Satellite News Agency summarized Putin's State of the Nation Address as an "important political event".

　　According to information, the Russian President's State of the Nation Address is published once a year, but there are exceptions.

In addition to the 2022 State of the Union address, which was not published, neither was it published in 2017.

　　At the end of 2022, Putin explained that the situation in Ukraine was very tense and the outcome needed to be determined. Therefore, additional time and analysis were needed to make the State of the Union address well-founded and reliable.

　　Russian President’s Press Secretary Peskov said that the State of the Union address was written by Putin himself. This is the first time since the Russian army launched a special military operation in Ukraine.

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