Photo: Vyacheslav Prokofiev/TASS
Russian President Vladimir Putin in his address on the occasion of the Defender of the Fatherland Day, which is celebrated in Russia on 23 February, praised the Russian military, which is taking part in the war against Ukraine. He said that they are “protecting the interests of the nation and the future of Russia”, AFP reports.
“By risking their lives and demonstrating courage, they are defending our homeland, its interests and future,” Putin said in a video message, calling the military “heroes”.
The Kremlin leader stressed that Moscow will continue to develop its military power to “guarantee Russia’s sovereignty” in a “changing world”.
Militarisation and the Kremlin’s military ambitions
Putin said that the Russian army would receive the latest weapons, and that the combat experience gained in Ukraine would serve as a basis for improving military tactics.
“Based on the analysis of the use of equipment on the battlefield, we will supply the troops with the most advanced models,” he added.
This statement comes against the backdrop of intensified contacts between Moscow and Washington. On 12 January, Putin had a telephone conversation with Donald Trump that lasted an hour and a half. Recently, the first official talks between Russia and the United States took place in Saudi Arabia.
Kremlin’s demands: an ultimatum to Kyiv
Putin is demanding that Ukraine refuse to join NATO, recognise the territories occupied by Russia and actually surrender. This, according to the Russian leader, is a condition for “ending the war”.
Amid this rhetoric, the West continues to provide military assistance to Ukraine, and NATO is stepping up defensive measures on its eastern flank.
