Putin's declarations on Ukraine conflict, Navalny's death, and NATO tensions
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin appeared at the headquarters of the Central Election Commission, where he delivered his first speech. "We need to address the issues of special operations, bolster our defensive capabilities and armed forces," said Putin. He also mentioned the recent capture of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region by Russian forces and the strikes on border areas.
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"The high voter turnout is linked to the dramatic events our country is experiencing," stated Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Upon arriving at the Central Election Commission headquarters, he was met with applause and chants of "Russia, Russia".
Putin on the war in Ukraine
After thanking the Russian public for their participation in the vote, Putin turned his attention to military affairs. "All planned development strategies for Russia will be addressed, and objectives will be met. We find ourselves compelled to defend the interests of our citizens, armed," he declared.
Putin highlighted the importance of providing care to the residents of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region in Ukraine, a territory seized by Russian forces prior to the elections.
Talking about the challenges of the new term he secured by force, he stated, "Russia will tackle the issues of special operations, enhance defensive capabilities, and the armed forces."
Putin also discussed the airstrikes on border regions that have been ongoing since 12 March. The attacks on the Belgorod and Kursk regions are executed by the "Freedom of Russia" Legion, Siberian Battalion, and the Russian Volunteer Corps - Russians fighting alongside Ukraine.
"Instructions will be given to all law enforcement agencies to identify anyone who opposes Russia with weapons," Putin announced. He mentioned that the Russian Volunteer Corps includes 2,500 soldiers, describing them as “thrown into meat attacks on the state border.”
The dictator also spoke on incidents involving the damage of ballots during the elections. "Damaging ballots is punishable, and law enforcement will act in accordance with the law. Spoiling the efforts of those who have performed their civic duty is undemocratic," he stated firmly.
Putin on the death of Navalny
For the first time, Putin also addressed the death of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny.
"Yes, he passed away. It’s always a tragic occurrence. We’ve seen other instances where people died. Did this not occur in the USA? We had considered exchanging Navalny for individuals in Western countries; I had agreed to it so that he wouldn't return, but such (deaths) happen; that's life," he brazenly commented.
Associates of Navalny reacted to Putin’s remarks.
"What a cynical, lying filth. Absolutely unimaginable"
Putin on a potential conflict with NATO
Putin also discussed the prospect of a conflict with NATO. "In today’s world, anything is possible. It would be just a step away from a full-scale World War III. I believe very few people are interested in that," he remarked.
Regarding occupying the Kharkiv region in response to strikes on border regions of Russia, Putin mentioned, "I do not dismiss the possibility that we might need to establish a certain sanitary zone within the territory under Kyiv's control," he explained.
