As of: February 29, 2024, 11:22 a.m
By: Sonja Thomaser
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Russian President Putin delivers his annual address to the Russian Federal Assembly at Gostiny Dvor.
© IMAGO/Sergey Guneev
In his state of the nation speech, Putin rejects Western threats and emphasizes Russia's military effectiveness.
His warning to the NATO states is unmistakable.
Moscow – In his speech to the nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin once again warned the West about the power of the nuclear power's weapons.
When making threatening gestures, the West should remember that Russia also has weapons that could hit targets in the area, he said on Thursday (February 29) in Moscow in front of more than 1,000 representatives from politics, business, culture and religion.
According to Putin, the use of nuclear weapons can lead to the “extinction of civilization.”
Putin stressed that escalation and use of nuclear weapons could lead to the “extinction of civilization.”
It was not a “cartoon,” said Putin.
Specifically, he also warned NATO states against sending military contingents to Ukraine to fight against Russian troops.
The consequences of such a move could be tragic, he said.
At the same time, the president dismissed claims that Russia wanted to attack the West as “nonsense.”
Rather, the country will increase its armaments complex for its own security and also further strengthen the western flank of the giant empire because of the danger posed by NATO expansion.
Putin wants talks with the USA – under one condition
Putin once again offered the USA a dialogue on strategic security in the world.
Russia and the USA had suspended or terminated several disarmament treaties in the course of their conflict.
Russia is ready for new talks if the USA stops aiming for Moscow's strategic defeat.
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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.
(so with dpa)