Putin should be proud. Think of the great accomplishments he has made happen by turning Russia from a power-hungry, military, war nation into a free-trade-with-the-world nation. It's the US with their coups in Ukraine since 2014 that started this Russian police action.
'No one can sit out the coming storm': Putin's milestone Valdai speechThe world is entering a decade of tumult as the pursuit of a more just world order clashes with the arbitrary hegemony of the collective West, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, addressing the annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club.
Putin's speech ranged from biodiversity to "cancel culture," the nature of what the West has to offer and Russia's response, followed by hours of answering audience questions. Here are six key points from his opening remarks.
The West stokes conflict to preserve hegemony
From inciting conflict in Ukraine and provocations around Taiwan to destabilizing the world food and energy markets, the US and its allies have been escalating tensions around the globe in recent years and especially in recent months, Putin said.
"Ruling the world is what the so-called West has staked in this game, which is certainly dangerous, bloody and – I would say – dirty. It denies the sovereignty of countries and peoples, their identity and uniqueness, and disregards any interests of other states," the Russian president explained. In their so-called "rules-based world order," only those making the "rules" have any agency, while everyone else must simply obey.
However, the West has "no constructive ideas and positive development, they simply have nothing to offer the world except the preservation of their dominance."
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The Russians Are Building Bomb Shelters - This Is Getting RealThe officials involved have been directed to get the shelters in working order. Right now.
Notifications have gone out in Moscow to inform residents that bomb shelters are being prepared. The Education Department has issued instructions to all institutions under its control to outfit new shelters in addition to those in existence.
Moscow hospitals are also involved in the efforts. Shelters are being set up in the hospitals as well and equipped with electricity, lighting, disposable plates, and water. Moscow's Social Protection Department has been charged with painting arrows on the street and public buildings to direct people to bomb shelters.
Parking garages are also being converted into bomb shelters. Bunks, first aid kits, and heaters are being brought in. People using the garages have been told to remove their cars.
Similar actions are being taken in other major Russian cities. Emergency warning systems are being tested. Lists of locations suitable to be converted into additional shelters are being compiled.
President Vladimir Putin oversaw training exercises of Russia's strategic nuclear deterrence forces on Wednesday. Russian state television aired footage of Putin overseeing the drills from a control room.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the drills simulated "a massive nuclear strike in response to an enemy nuclear attack." "Under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Vladimir Putin, a training session was held with ground, sea, and air strategic deterrence forces, during which practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles took place," the Kremlin said in a statement.
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