Putin speech: Eight key claims from Russian leader – and the reality

What Russia’s president claimed – and what is actually happening

Alastair Jamieson
Wednesday 22 February 2023 11:06 GMT
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Putin criticises the West as he defends Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin’s speech to Russia's elite on Tuesday came almost one year to the day since invading Ukraine. Here are eight key points from his speech, which was delivered to members of both houses of parliament, state officials, military commanders and soldiers. It lasted about one hour and 45 minutes.

West is seeking ‘global confrontation’ with Russia

“The elites of the West do not hide their purpose... That is, they intend to transform a local conflict into a phase of global confrontation. This is exactly how we understand it all and we will react accordingly, because in this case we are talking about the existence of our country. But they also cannot fail to realise that it is impossible to defeat Russia on the battlefield.”

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