Russian President Vladimir Putin made assessments regarding the current agenda during a meeting with the Military-Industrial Commission at the Kremlin Palace. Stating that NATO is expanding and entering different regions of the world, Putin criticized the statements of some European leaders who claim they are preparing for a possible war with Russia.
Arguing that European politicians are trying to cover up their failures in domestic policy with external crises, Putin said, "In my opinion, they are trying to recover their falling public support by covering up mistakes in their economic and social policies. However, it cannot be said that they are very successful. This is not working. Instead of listening to their citizens, who have shown in elections that they do not want war with Russia, these leaders continue to escalate tensions, using the situation in Ukraine and the Ukrainians as bait."
Stating that European countries resort to various methods to justify their defense spending, Putin said, "One of the main theses they put forward is the so-called Russian threat. Russia has no intention of attacking Europe or European countries. We have no reason to do so. We are ready for cooperation and to restore relations with our neighbors in Europe."
Claiming that military exercises conducted in the Baltic Sea are aimed at seizing civilian ships, Putin pointed out the contradiction between rhetoric on international law and actions on the ground, saying, "They constantly talk about protecting international law and complying with international legal norms, but they are preparing to seize civilian ships. Moreover, the same individuals express their so-called concerns and condemn what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. So what are they preparing for themselves? Let's live together in a friendly way, otherwise we will also have to respond."
"The Kiev administration has no intention of negotiating"
Stating that elections are not being held in Ukraine and that there is no sign that Kiev is managing this process, Putin made the following assessment regarding the negotiation processes:
"Representatives of the Kiev administration talk about peace and propose restarting negotiations, but they are doing everything they can to ensure that peace is not achieved and negotiations do not take place by committing crimes. Apparently, they do not want to negotiate."
Emphasis on strengthening the nuclear triad
Reporting that they are preparing a new armament program in light of global developments and the experience of military operations in Ukraine, Putin said, "Among the unconditional priorities is the strengthening of the nuclear triad, which is the guarantor of our country's sovereignty and plays a key role in maintaining the balance of power in the world."
Stating that Russia's Strategic Missile Forces are being equipped with modern weapons, Putin noted that within the framework of the program in question, the development processes of air defense systems, robotic technologies, high-precision weapons, and space systems will be completed.
News Source: 12punto
