Putin's rhetoric on unity and denial of aggression amidst military buildup

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin met with military pilots in Torzhok, Tver Region. He called for "careful consideration of the unity of the Russian people." He dedicated several minutes of his speech to "the possibility of attacking other countries, on Poland and the Baltic states."

Many reports by Russian media or representatives of the authorities are elements of propaganda. These reports are part of the information war conducted by the Russian Federation.

Putin called for the protection of "the unity of the nation," and also commented on Western statements about the "Russian threat" and claimed – according to his propagandistic rhetoric – that in that case, there would be no special operation in Ukraine.

Talking about national unity, he referred to emigrants. "As soon as we start to implement these destructive thoughts that everyone else is foreign here, we will ruin the country, and the main victims will be the Russian people," he stated.

He admitted that hearing "chauvinistic" slogans, that Russia is only for Russians, causes him concern. In his view, interethnic peace in Russia should be protected. Putin's words came after the attack on Crocus City Hall, which the so-called Islamic State claimed.

The attack increased xenophobic attitudes towards migrants from Central Asia. The Russian State Duma has already proposed tightening the criteria for entry and deportation.

Yesterday, a raid occurred near Moscow at a warehouse employing 5,000 people. Several dozen migrants were detained and transported to the military enlistment office.

"At the same time, we must never forget that we are a multi-national, multi-religious country. We always have to treat our brothers, representatives of other faiths: Muslims, Jews, everyone, with respect—and that's what we are doing," he said.

The dictator also referred to "statements heard in the West about Russia's alleged plans to attack Europe." "It's nonsense intended to intimidate their population," he said. It is worth remembering that similar words were uttered before the full-scale war in Ukraine.

Of course, according to Putin, "US satellites are afraid of a big, strong Russia," though they do so in vain. "We have no aggressive intentions towards these countries," he repeated.

"It's complete nonsense – the possibility of an attack on any other countries, on Poland, on the Baltic states, the Czechs are afraid. Just nonsense. Another way to deceive their society and extract additional expenditures from people, forcing them to shoulder this burden, that's all," Putin repeated.

What was quite surprising was that Putin stated Russia would not fight NATO because "the difference in military expenditure is huge." He calculated that in 2022, the US spent £675 billion on the military, whereas Russia spent £60 billion.

On the other hand, Russia still threatens NATO with an attack and threatens the use of a nuclear bomb.

However, in November 2023, Putin significantly increased defence and military spending. According to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War, the document indicates that next year's Russian spending will be approximately £344 billion, and the budget deficit will be about £8 billion. The report noted that a significant portion of the Kremlin's budget is secret.

"Considering this ratio, are we going to fight NATO or what? Well, it's just nonsense," Putin stated and rambled again that "it was not Russia approaching the borders of NATO countries."

"We touched no one – they approached us. Or did we swim across the ocean to the borders of the United States? No, they were coming to us and were already close. And what do we do? We protect our people on our historical territories," he stated again, promoting the false thesis that Ukraine is not an independent state.