Says that "unfortunately" some in the international community have become used to "illegal sanctions" and trying to force their will on other countries. Talks about alleged outside instigation of unrest in Belarus and supposed attempt to assassinate Belarusian leader Lukashenka. Says former Ukrainian President Yanukovych was driven out by a coup instigated from the outside.
Claims that Western countries have ignored Russia's "repeated calls" for a discussion on cybersecurity.
Russian state TV has in recent days been constantly peddling the idea that the U.S. sponsored an assassination attempt against Alyaksandr Lukashenka in Belarus. Now it's clear why: Putin just cited it as fact. "This has crossed all boundaries," he says.
A bad omen.
Claims that "unfriendly acts" against Russia are continuing, "without any reason." Says attacking Russia has become some sort of "new sport" in the West. "We want to have good relations with every member of the international community," he says.
Says Russia wants good relations even with countries with whom relations now are strained. But warns that if Russia's "good intentions" are abused, Russia will respond quickly and asymmetrically. Adds that Russia has enough patience, professionalism, and confidence to manage its international affairs.
Turns attention to the military, saying that modernization is proceeding constantly. Says the army is now about three-quarters equipped with modern weaponry. Says the nuclear triad is being rapidly modernized. Says the new Sarmat ICBM will be online by the end of 2022. Says the Kinzhal hypersonic missile is also on schedule. But adds that Russia is calling on all countries to participate in arms-control talks. Says Russia is willing to discuss all offensive and defensive systems.
Says Russia is always open to broad international cooperation, particularly under the umbrella of the United Nations. Claims Russia has done a lot to resolve regional conflicts from Syria to Nagorno-Karabakh.
- By Mike Eckel
Now we're in the more "serious" part of Putin's speech.
First half was dedicated to domestic concerns: economics, health, rising food prices, social welfare.
Now he's threatening potential adversaries, reminding the world of Russia's (formidable) weaponry.
And he's drawing a parallel between the 2014 events in Ukraine-- where mass protests led to the Russian-friendly president being forced from power-- and the ongoing political turmoil in Belarus-- where the longtime strongman leader there has refused to budge in the face of months of opposition protests.
"Whoever threatens our essential security interests will regret it like they've never regretted anything before....
"We ourselves will determine where the red line is in each specific case..."
"In conclusion," Putin returns to the topic of the pandemic and claims Russia did everything possible to mitigate the crisis in the areas of health care, social policy, industry, science, etc.
Says government will achieve all the goals it sets for itself. Thanks the audience and the national anthem begins to play.