Putin: Russia is Ready for more Diplomacy but its Weapons “have No Equal” in the World

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the Russians on the occasion of Defender of the Fatherland Day, celebrated today. According to a televised video broadcast by the Kremlin, "our country is always ready for direct and open dialogue, for seeking diplomatic solutions to the most complex problems. At the same time, Russia's interests, the security of our citizens, are unconditional for us."

The president did not mention Ukraine in the message. However, it was published just over a day after the head of state recognized the "people's republics" in Donbas. He then commented twice more - in a statement at a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev - the reasons why he believes that Ukraine and its hypothetical accession to NATO are a threat to Russia's interests.

"We see how complex the international situation is, what the dangers of existing challenges are, such as expanding arms control systems or NATO's military activity. Russia's calls for a system of equal and indivisible security that will reliably protect all parties remain unanswered," said Vladimir Putin.

At the same time, "weapons that have no equal in the world" were delivered to combat duty.

Putin also told his citizens that his country would continue to develop new weapons systems, including hypersonic and "based on new physical principles," and expand the use of advanced digital technologies and "artificial intelligence elements."

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