MOSCOW, February 29. /TASS/. Russia does not compete with other countries, but it competes with itself focusing on national interests, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on her Telegram channel.

"For me, the main thing in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s [state of the nation] address is that we do not compete with foreign countries, but with ourselves by setting the goals focused on national interests and attaining them!" she said.

"The elite can only be nationally oriented, while the country’s future should be in the hands of those who have passed the test of 2022-2024. Let’s go get it done," the diplomat added.

Earlier in the day, Putin delivered his state of the nation address to the Federal Assembly. His speech lasted more than two hours.