Putin condemns the West, admits difficulties in Federal Message

According to RT, on February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his State of the Nation Address at the Gostiny Dvor Hall in Moscow. In his message, Mr. Putin condemned the West's role in the Ukraine conflict and admitted that Russia is in a "difficult period."

We are in difficult times, we have done everything to resolve the Donbass issue peacefully, but the West has a different scenario. It was they who started this conflict - said Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Kremlin chief affirmed that Russia has tried to dialogue with the West for many years, but has always been ignored and rejected. According to Mr. Putin, the special military operation is not against the Ukrainian people, but to find a way to free "hostages of the West".

"I want to express my gratitude to the people of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. You have decided your future yourself, chosen to go together with Russia," Mr. Putin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers the State of the Nation Address. Photo: TASS

In his State of the Nation Address, President Putin also said that the West wants to prolong the conflict in Ukraine. This intention is shown through the $150 billion in aid and the increasing supply of long-range weapons to Kiev.

According to the Kremlin chief, the level of modern weapons for Russia's nuclear forces is at 91.3%. Mr. Putin emphasized that all units of the Russian army must have similar quality.

Referring to Western sanctions, President Putin asserted that Russia's economy remains stable. Although GDP has declined, the domestic market is growing well and Moscow has the financial resources necessary to ensure security and development.

President Putin at the Gostiny Dvor Hall. Photo: TASS

"The West is making things difficult for itself with sanctions. They cause inflation in their countries, close factories, create an energy crisis, and then say it's all Russia's fault," Putin said.

To support domestic businesses, the Russian government has allocated 1,000 billion rubles (more than 13 billion USD) to promote business activities.

"Domestic demand will grow steadily this year, and I believe our companies will make good use of the market left by foreign businesses," Mr. Putin said.

According to the Russian President, the country's inflation will reach 4% in the second quarter of 2023, which is low compared to many EU countries. In addition, Moscow will continue to develop an international payment system independent of the US dollar and other Western currencies.

Closing his State of the Nation Address, President Putin affirmed that defeating Russia by force is impossible, but the West will try to cause a "strategic defeat for Moscow".

"The West wants to turn local conflicts into global conflicts. This is how we perceive the problem and will come up with corresponding countermeasures," Mr. Putin said.