In 2018, when Vladimir Putin announced a raft of new hypersonic nuclear missile systems, complete with video graphics of intercontinental ballistic missiles headed toward California, he left it until the end of his lengthy two-hour speech to Russian lawmakers to deliver the fatal blow.
This year he wasted no time in backing down, with his rumblings of new nuclear weapons and his hackneyed criticism of “the so-called West” coming straight from the top.
He added that Russian forces had the initiative in Donbass and would continue to press their superiority.
Latest updates: Putin threatens nuclear retaliation while claiming NATO is 'preparing to strike Russian territory'
Vladimir Putin delivers his annual speech. Photo: Reuters
Those missile systems announced in 2018 were either in use on the battlefield or about to be used, with new weapons in the pipeline.
Understandably, he wasted no time responding to recent Western talking points about the possible deployment of ground troops in Ukraine and whether Ukraine has the right to strike military targets outside its borders.
Summing up: NATO should think twice.
“They choose targets to strike on our territory and think about the most effective means of destruction,” he said.
He added: “They must realize that we also have weapons capable of hitting targets on their territory.”
Putin speaks after flying aboard a TU-160M nuclear bomber. picture; Reuters
Although it was Putin who recently flew in his modern, nuclear-capable TU-160M strategic bomber, although it was Putin who bragged that his new Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile was now in service and ready for display, although the speech… Endless nuclear tended to come from him, and it was the West that blamed him for raising the possibility of nuclear war.
Read more:
Russia imprisons Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Estonian leader urges West to stand up to Russian intimidation
The sixth person is accused of spying for Russia
Vladimir Putin signs a photo of the TU-160M nuclear bomber. Photo: Reuters
He said: “Everything they invent now, they scare the world with the threat of conflict involving nuclear weapons, which could mean the end of civilization – don't they realize that?”
What Putin says, he means. What he denies, he often ends up doing.
People wait for the bus under a photo of Vladimir Putin and a quote from his annual speech. Photo: Reuters
It's a game Putin knows how to play well
When the West is accused of certain behaviours, it is often because it does so itself.
The question is always how much is deception and what is not, which is itself the essence of nuclear deterrence. This is a game that Putin knows how to play very well.
As for the rest of the speech, it was largely directed at the audience back home. Having children is a must. Same old chat on traditional values. The economy is booming. Everyone is on board. The country is united.
This is ultimately a “campaign” speech, in addition to being a message to his opponents. For “elections” he cannot fail to win.
