Published on 12/6/2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed today, Friday, that his country is facing alone what he described as the “collective West,” represented by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and accused NATO countries of intensifying their efforts to organize hostile actions against it, stressing that Moscow will not allow those forces to inflict a “strategic defeat” on it.
During a meeting with Russian soldiers participating in the war against Ukraine on the occasion of “Russia Day,” Putin said that the current conflict did not begin with the launch of the Russian military operation in Ukraine, but was preceded by what he described as a “military coup in Ukraine,” adding that Moscow was forced to move to protect the residents of Crimea and the Donbass region (eastern Ukraine).
He continued, “They started the war. They are the ones who launched the war. We did not start the combat operations from the beginning of the special military operation. Rather, they were the ones who committed the military coup in Ukraine. Then they forced us to protect the residents of Crimea, and after that they launched the war.”
The Russian President indicated that NATO countries are “working without exception” to strengthen their capabilities with the aim of confronting Russia, considering that their goal is to end the war according to what they see as a victory for them.
Addressing the military, Putin said, “They are trying to inflict a strategic defeat on us. They tried, but they have now realized that it is impossible,” adding that Russia has not witnessed a final strategic defeat throughout its history, because of the cohesion of its people and their ability to bear responsibility towards future generations.
He praised the role of combat units, especially assault groups, in carrying out military missions in Ukraine, stressing that the soldiers on the front lines are the ones who put the “final point” in the battles.
Minsk agreements
The Russian President touched on the Minsk agreements on the Donbass region, saying that Moscow waited eight years to reach a political settlement, before resorting to the military option.
Putin said that the Ukrainian leadership announced that the agreements would not be implemented, which prompted Russia to take other measures to protect its interests and those living in the region, as he put it.
He added that some Western countries used those years to rearm the Ukrainian army, referring to previous statements by European officials about this issue.
During the meeting, Putin listened to the demands of the military regarding the development of military equipment, especially drones and technical systems used on the battlefield.
He stressed that his country is working to expand the near-orbit satellite system, noting that since 2023, Moscow has begun launching new satellites to support communications and military capabilities.
Putin said that Russia is working to increase the number of satellites, and added that the Russian system is no less than competing systems, referring to the “Starlink” system used by Ukraine.
The Russian President also announced the continued development of drones, including heavy drones capable of carrying cargo, stressing that production is expanding and that the Russian Ministry of Defense is working to provide this equipment to the forces.
