America News Agency

Russian President Vladimir Putin made statements during a meeting in Moscow with deputies of the 8th State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

Putin said that the past five years had been a difficult and critical period for Russia, describing it as one of the defining periods in the country's history.

Thanking the deputies for their work in strengthening state sovereignty and protecting Russia's national interests, Putin said, “Today we continue to defend the security and independence of our state, as well as truth and justice.”

Commenting on the war in Ukraine, Putin stated that the soldiers serving in what Russia describes as its “special military operation” were fighting for their country and that they had the support of society.

Putin said, “We will achieve our goals, and together we will do everything for Russia's victory.”

The Russian leader also argued that throughout history, whenever Russia had faced serious challenges and external threats, its people had acted in unity. He said that the country's strategic decisions were based on the will of the Russian people and claimed that some countries ignore the right of nations to self-determination.

Putin also criticized Western sanctions against Russia, claiming that “anti-Russian policies” had intensified since 2022 while arguing that the sanctions imposed had failed to achieve their intended effect.

He further claimed that Russia's opponents, whom he said had failed to defeat Russia on the battlefield, had “resorted to terrorist methods,” adding that the Russian people would not be broken by such pressure.

Putin also stated that Russia's political system and state institutions are based on constitutional foundations and affirmed that the country is prepared to safeguard its security and respond to potential threats.