The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin has delivered his state of the nation address in Moscow.
The address was delivered to members of both Houses of Parliament, state officials, military commanders and soldiers.
He covered the war in Ukraine, threat of NATO expansion, Russian nuclear capabilities, the declining birthrate and support for large families.
His speech also focused heavily on economic and social issues ahead of the March 15-17 presidential election.
In his address, Putin called for national unity, saying, “We will overcome anything together.”
He asserted that national unity is what made it possible for Russia to successfully deal with the coronavirus pandemic and global terrorism.
Also, Putin argued that Russia was “defending its sovereignty and security and protecting our compatriots” in Ukraine.
He praised Russian soldiers and honored those who were killed in fighting with a moment of silence.
He claimed that majority of Russians support Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Putin noted that Russia did not start the war in Ukraine’s Donbas region in 2014 but will do everything to end it and “eradicate Nazism.”
Stating that the Russian forces have the upper hand in the fighting, Putin disclosed that the Russian army is confidently advancing in a number of directions on the Ukrainian front line.
The Russian leader said that “without a sovereign, strong Russia, a strong world order is impossible.”
In addition, Putin averred that his country remains “a stronghold of traditional values”, and its choice is shared by people around the world, including in the West.
Speaking about supporting family and demography, Putin said that many countries are “destroying moral standards and pushing people towards extinction,” while Russia chooses life.
According to Putin, “a large family with many children should become the norm in Russia.”
He added that Russia will take additional measures to improve the demographic situation.
Furthermore, Putin expressed that Russia’s average life expectancy should increase by 2030.
“The average life expectancy in Russia is now 73 years. It should be at least 78 years by 2030. After that, we should reach 80-plus level.
“It is important that healthy, active life expectation increases in the Russian Federation.”
Vladimir Putin
He also said Russia was planning to build a new global financial infrastructure, free from politics, with “friendly countries.”
He expressed Russia’s aim to broaden diplomatic ties, saying that he believes that it is important for Russia to strengthen ties with Arab countries and with Latin American countries.
Putin Claims Russia Outpaced G7 Countries With Economic Growth In 2023
Moreover, Putin voiced that he is confident that Russia will become “one of the four largest economies in the world in the near future.”
“The growth of the Russian economy should be converted into an increase in the income of the population,” Putin added.
According to the Russian President, the monthly minimum wage should almost double by 2030 to 35,000 roubles ($384).
Also, he claimed that Russia is one of the world leaders in the implementation of digital platforms in the sphere of public services.
He added that many countries are yet to reach this level.
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