Russian President Vladimir Putin Delivers State of the Nation Address

“We did not start this war in Donbas. As I have said many times, we will do everything to end it, to eradicate Nazism … to protect the sovereignty and security of our citizens,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin during his annual State of the Nation Address before a joint session of the parliament in Moscow. President Putin criticized the United States, the West, and NATO, saying they are the ones who provoked the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, and that they continue “to lie, without embarrassment, saying that Russia allegedly intends to attack Europe.” When addressing rumors of NATO sending military troops to Ukraine, Putin said “the consequences for these potential invaders will be much more tragic … they should understand, sooner or later, that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory.” close