Moscow: In a passionate address at the “Everything for Victory!” forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the critical role of self-sufficiency in preserving national sovereignty. Putin underscored that without a steadfast commitment to defending its people and ensuring autonomy, Russia risked fading into insignificance on the global stage.
According to the Russian state-owned news agency TASS, Putin outlined a vision of sovereignty tied to the nation’s ability to stand independently, stating, “We must make our country self-sufficient, which is the key indicator of sovereignty.” He painted a dire picture of potential consequences, warning that Russia could become “a decrepit and worthless country” if it failed to protect its citizens in crucial regions like Donbass, the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, Novorossiya, and Crimea.
Critiquing the global economic landscape, Putin criticized the deceitful nature of international economic relations, highlighting efforts by other nations to undermine Russia’s competitive advantages. “The speeches are sweet and good, but everybody plots to take a bite here or take a bite there,” he observed, lamenting strategic maneuvers aimed at diminishing Russia’s economic standing.
Despite these challenges, Putin asserted Russia’s resilience and growth, particularly in the face of economic downturns affecting major economies like the United States and Europe. He pointed to Russia’s economic performance as proof of its self-sufficiency, stating, “We have proved to ourselves and to everyone that we are a self-sufficient country.”
The Russian leader also celebrated achievements across various sectors, including high-tech industries, finance, defense, security, and social welfare. He took particular pride in the country’s record-breaking housing construction, with more than 110 million square meters of housing built, marking an unprecedented achievement in Russia’s history.
