"The absolute majority of Russians support the war. The fighters know that the whole country is with them."
This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in his State of the Nation address to Russian lawmakers from both houses of parliament.
He also said his forces were advancing in Ukraine, and Russia was ready to engage in dialogue with the US on strategic stability issues.
Putin also announced his plans to seriously strengthen the groupings of the Russian armed forces in the western direction in connection with the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO.
He also resorted to threats of nuclear war.
"At the end of the day, they have to understand that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory. Everything the West comes up with creates a real danger of a conflict using nuclear weapons and thus the destruction of civilization." Putin said. He added that Russia's nuclear forces are on full alert.
Just as Putin began his speech, Ukraine announced another downing of a Russian Su-34 bomber for the day. Thus, Russian losses of this type of aircraft, according to Ukraine, amounted to 13 in 11 days.
Continuing his speech, Putin said it was important for Russia to strengthen its ties with Arab and Latin American countries.
He concluded with economic data for the country and plans for the coming year. /BGNES