Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a marathon speech to the Russian people and Parliament, setting a new record for endurance by speaking for over two hours. During his address, Putin issued threats and insults aimed at the West, particularly the United States and NATO.
Putin's speech included warnings of nuclear war, emphasizing that Russia possesses weapons capable of hitting targets in enemy territories. These remarks were seen as a response to French President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of potentially sending Western troops to Ukraine.
Putin framed the situation as a conflict between Russia and NATO, drawing historical parallels to previous invasions of Russia by Adolf Hitler and Napoleon. He cautioned that any intervention in Russia would have dire consequences, hinting at the possibility of using nuclear weapons.
The timing of Putin's speech is significant as Russia approaches its presidential elections, where Putin is expected to secure another term in office. The Kremlin has launched a major publicity campaign ahead of the elections, promoting Putin's leadership and stance on national security.
Meanwhile, the funeral of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who recently died in a Russian prison, is scheduled to take place in Moscow. Navalny's widow has expressed concerns about potential crackdowns by Putin's security forces on mourners, as Putin aims to suppress opposition voices.
In response to Putin's nuclear threats, the U.S. State Department condemned his rhetoric but stated that there are no indications of Russia preparing to use nuclear weapons. The ongoing tensions between Russia and the West raise concerns about the potential escalation of conflict and the impact on global stability.
Putin's aggressive rhetoric and saber-rattling have heightened tensions between Russia and Western nations, with the specter of nuclear war looming as a grave concern for international security.
