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Vladimir Putin: For the 19th time, the Russian president gave a state of the nation speech
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Alexander Zemlianichenko / AP
Russian leader Vladimir Putin gave his traditional state of the nation speech.
A good two years after his attack on Ukraine, he claimed that the majority of people in Russia supported the war of aggression that the Kremlin called a "special military operation."
He praised the commitment of the armed forces and the entire people.
At the same time he dealt against the West.
Addressing foreign countries, Putin said Russia would not allow anyone to interfere in its internal affairs.
He repeated his claim that the West is trying to destroy Russia from within.
"The West is trying to drag us into an arms race," said Putin.
In his speech, he also addressed statements made by French President Emmanuel Macron.
A few days ago he had not ruled out the use of ground troops in Ukraine.
Putin warned the West against such a move.
The consequences would be tragic.
Russia has weapons that can hit targets in western territory.
Putin traditionally expresses his views on the current situation in Russia, the economy and social policy in his speech to the Federal Assembly, both chambers of parliament, which is broadcast on state television.
It was Putin's 19th State of the Nation Address.
His performances are intended to provide the major political guidelines for Russian society.
Putin last gave the State of the Union address in February 2023 and announced the suspension of the New Start nuclear disarmament treaty.
He skipped the speech in the first year of the war.
asc/dpa