Putin stressed that Russia's nuclear forces are “fully prepared,” saying that the military has deployed powerful new weapons, some of which have been tested on the battlefield in Ukraine.
The Kremlin leader said these missiles include the new Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile that has entered service with Russia's nuclear forces, along with the Burevestnik atomic-powered cruise missile and the atomic-powered, nuclear-armed Poseidon drone, which is completing its tests.
He added that the Kinzal and Zircon hypersonic missiles have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield in Ukraine.
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At the same time, he dismissed Western leaders' statements about the threat of a Russian attack on NATO allies in Europe as “delusion,” and again rejected Washington's claims that Moscow was considering deploying nuclear weapons in space.
Putin accused the US allegations of being part of a ploy to drag Russia into nuclear arms control talks on US terms even as Washington continues its efforts to achieve a “strategic defeat” for Moscow in Ukraine.
He added: “Before the US elections, they just want to show their citizens, as well as others, that they are continuing to rule the world.” “It won't work.”
In his speech, which focused largely on economic and social issues ahead of the presidential elections that will be held on March 15-17, Putin said that Russia “defends its sovereignty and security and protects our citizens” in Ukraine, accusing Russian forces of having the upper hand in Ukraine. Fighting.
He paid tribute to Russian soldiers and honored those killed in fighting with a minute of silence.
Putin has repeatedly said that he sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022 to protect Russian interests and prevent Ukraine from posing a major security threat to Russia by joining NATO. Kiev and its allies condemned the attack, describing it as an unprovoked act of aggression.
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The Russian leader has repeatedly indicated his desire to negotiate an end to the fighting but has warned that Russia will cling to its gains.
Putin (71 years old), who is running in the presidential elections as an independent candidate, relies on the tight control over the Russian political system that he established during his 24 years in power.
Prominent critics who might challenge Putin have either been imprisoned or live abroad, while most independent media outlets have been banned, meaning Putin's re-election is all but certain. He faces symbolic opposition from three other candidates nominated by Kremlin-friendly parties represented in Parliament.
Russia's most famous opposition leader Alexei Navalny, whose bid to run against Putin in 2018 was rejected, died suddenly in an Arctic prison colony earlier this month, while serving a 19-year sentence on extremism charges. Navalny's funeral is scheduled to take place on Friday.
