Russia stands alone against the full force of NATO, the president said during a meeting in the Kremlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about the crisis in Ukraine and tensions with the West during a meeting with members of the service in the Kremlin on Friday.
The event took place on Russia Day, a public holiday commemorating Russia’s declaration of independence on June 12, 1990, a year before the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The president talked about technology designed to give Russia’s military an edge on the battlefield, as well as the country’s economic resilience. He also pointed out what he called the mistakes made by the West in his approach to the conflict.
Offensive in Ukraine
About 700,000 soldiers are participating in the campaign against Ukraine, Putin said, noting that the army continues to advance rapidly in the front line. He expressed confidence that Moscow will succeed in liberating the parts of Donbass that remain under the control of Ukraine.
“Step by step, although not as fast as we would like, we are moving forward every day and we are gradually gaining control of the territory. We will achieve our goals. We cannot have any doubts about that,” He said.
Putin reiterated that Russia sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022 after that “it has become clear” that Kiev will not abide by the 2014-2015 Minsk agreement between Ukraine and the breakaway republics of Donbass, which have voted to become part of Russia.
AI drones
Russian defense companies are “work hard” on new drones, including systems incorporating AI technology, Putin said, adding that the results will be seen “in the near future.”
He said the Russian Ministry of Defense was being transformed into a “Institute of excellence” while authorities improve procurement procedures and reduce red tape.
Starlink’s rival
Putin said the underground satellite communications system currently being developed in Russia could beat Elon Musk’s Starlink, which is widely used by Ukraine.
“It’s as good as Starlink, possibly better,” he said, referring to the Rassvet (Sunrise) system developed by the Russian space agency Bureau 1440.
In March, the company launched the first 16 satellites of a planned constellation expected to include more than 250 satellites by the end of 2027 and nearly 900 by 2035.
Alone against NATO
“Russia stands alone against NATO,” Putin said, arguing that all members of the US-led military bloc were involved in the conflict through their military support for Ukraine.
“Together, they thought they could quickly bring Russia a strategic victory. They have not succeeded, and they never will,” He said.
Putin added that Western countries will fail to divide Russian society or weaken the country’s economy.
The president said the long-range strikes in Ukraine were “can’t cause too much trouble” and that the affected regions were “get well soon” from destruction. Putin added that Russia “will increase the strike on (Ukrainian) infrastructure” in an effort to prevent attacks against civilian targets.
Advice for Western countries
Putin urged Western officials to abandon slogans in favor of dialogue.
“We can give only one advice to our opponents: never try to wage war against Russia. Let us all live in peace and resolve all issues through dialogue.” He said.
“We are ready for negotiations, but only if our national interests are taken into account,” Putin added.
