Speaking at the United Russia party congress on Sunday, Putin said Russia is living through a pivotal period and remains prepared to defend its national interests, News.az reports.
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“Russia is standing firm on its feet… and is ready to fight for our future, way of living, sovereign ideology, foundations, and living principles,” Putin said.
The Russian leader argued that Western countries had failed to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia or destabilize the country’s political situation.
“They have been unable to inflict a strategic defeat on us or win a victory on the battlefield. Nor are they succeeding in destabilizing the political situation,” he stated.
Putin also accused the Ukrainian government of escalating attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, claiming such actions were the result of setbacks on the battlefield.
“The regime is retreating along the entire line of engagement, and therefore it has resorted to openly terrorist activities,” he said.
The Russian president further criticized Western nations for imposing additional sanctions on Moscow while, according to him, ignoring Ukrainian attacks.
Addressing Russia’s domestic agenda, Putin pledged that the country’s security and territorial integrity would be protected and said all strategically important development programs would move forward despite current challenges.
“We will certainly ensure the security of our country and our citizens as well as the inviolability of our borders in a longer historical perspective,” he said.
Putin also vowed to modernize the Russian economy through technological development, investment in infrastructure, support for domestic industries and the creation of high-paying jobs.
Looking ahead to Russia’s parliamentary elections in September, Putin said the vote would be held as scheduled and in accordance with the law. He added that the ruling United Russia party would nominate more young candidates and described participants in Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine as the country’s “true elite,” calling for greater opportunities for them to serve in government, politics and the economy after their military service.
