China News Service, February 29 (Chen Caixia) On the 29th local time, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered the 2024 State of the Union Address to both houses of parliament in Moscow, once again clarifying the purpose of the Russian military’s special military operation in Ukraine and strongly criticizing the United States and the West. and outlined Russia’s main tasks for the next six years.
Putin also emphasized that "Russia has proven that it can cope with any challenge."
On February 29, 2024 local time, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual State of the Union address to the Russian Federation Assembly (Parliament).
Talking about special military operations in Ukraine-Russia “can meet any challenge”
During his State of the Union address, Putin announced a minute's silence for Russian soldiers killed in Russia's special military operation against Ukraine.
"The absolute majority of Russians support special military operations, and Russia is fighting for its sovereignty and security." Putin said, "Russia did not provoke the conflict, but will do its best to end the conflict and achieve all the goals of the special military operations."
Data map: Ukrainian soldiers fired with howitzers.
Putin emphasized, "The West's attempts to plunge Russia into disputes and civil strife have failed. We do not allow anyone to interfere in Russia's internal affairs."
Putin also pointed out that currently, the Russian army is making steady progress and constantly "liberating" new territories in special military operations.
"Russia is strengthening its sovereignty in all directions, including in special military operations."
Talking about the possibility of NATO sending troops to Ukraine, "the consequences of possible armed intervention will be even worse," Putin said.
Talking about the actions of the United States and the West - "'Russophobia' makes them lose their minds"
In this State of the Union address, Putin targeted the United States and the West.
Putin criticized that the actions of the United States and its vassals have led to the collapse of the European security system, which brings "danger to everyone."
"The West provoked conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and continues to lie," Putin pointed out. "The West says that Russia intends to attack Europe. This is nonsense!"
Data map: On February 10, local time, U.S. aircraft transported military aid supplies to Boryspil International Airport in Kiev, Ukraine.
"'Russophobia' has blinded the West and made them lose their minds," Putin said. "Everything proposed by Western countries has a real threat of causing a nuclear weapons conflict and destroying civilization."
Putin also called for, “The world needs to form a new contour of security, and Russia is willing to dialogue with all countries.”
Discussing the issue of nuclear weapons - Russia’s strategic nuclear forces are in full combat readiness
Putin warned the West that their threats posed a "real" risk of possible nuclear war.
"Currently, Russia's strategic nuclear forces are in a state of full combat readiness," Putin said. "Russia has weapons that can hit targets in Western countries."
For example, he said that the Russian military's "Zircon" hypersonic cruise missile and "Dagger" hypersonic missile have been put into actual combat in special military operations.
Russia's new intercontinental missile "Sarmat" that can carry nuclear warheads has also been delivered to the troops, and Russia will soon display the "Sarmat" missile in the combat duty area.
In addition, the testing of Russia's "Haiyan" nuclear-powered cruise missile and "Poseidon" weapon system is also about to be completed.
A Russian Tu-95MS bomber has 14 missiles placed in front of it.
Image source: Russian Ministry of Defense
Putin pointed out that all previous Russian defense development plans have been completed.
The research and development of new weapons is also continuing, and relevant news will be released soon.
Putin also refuted false news that Russia deployed nuclear weapons in space, saying the purpose was to "draw Russia into negotiations that benefit the United States."
Talking about the Russian economy - "Russian economic growth rate is higher than the world average"
Talking about Russia's economic situation after being hit by Western sanctions, Putin said, "Russia's economic growth rate is higher than the world average."
Among them, Putin specifically mentioned that Russia is the leader in the global wheat market and has entered the top 20 largest grain suppliers in the world.
He added that "by 2030 the output of the Russian agro-industrial complex should increase by no less than 25% compared to 2021, while exports should increase by 50%."
Putin also emphasized that "Russia's economy is transforming, turning to one based on technology and reducing dependence on resources...Science is the top priority of Russia's technological development, and it is necessary for us to achieve 'technological sovereignty' in areas that ensure economic stability."
Data map: Ruble
Putin said that he has asked the Russian government to propose specific measures to enhance the computing power of Russia’s domestic supercomputers and the development of artificial intelligence technology.
He also announced that by 2030, Russia should be among the 25 countries in the world with the largest number of industrial robots.
Regarding imports and settlement, Putin pointed out that by 2030, Russia's import share should drop to 17% of GDP.
Putin also said that Russia will create a "new global financial architecture" based on advanced technology that is free from political interference.
Putin also mentioned that the BRICS countries' share of the global economy is growing, while the G7 is declining.
In terms of purchasing power parity, by 2028, the BRICS countries' share in the global economy will rise to 36.6%, and the G7 will drop to 27.8%.
The 19th time! Putin once again writes the State of the Union address himself
The Russian Satellite News Agency summarized Putin's State of the Union Address as an "important political event."
According to reports, the Russian President’s State of the Union address is delivered once every year, but there are exceptions.
In addition to the State of the Union address not being released in 2022, it was not released in 2017 either.
Data map: Russian President Putin.
Putin's last State of the Union address was on February 21, 2023, which was written by Putin himself. The 2023 speech was also Putin's first State of the Union address since the launch of special military operations.
As the 19th State of the Union address delivered by the Russian head of state, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Peskov said that this State of the Union address was also written by Putin himself.