MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. This year has been "a pivotal year" in terms of achieving the goals of the special military operation, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a Defense Ministry Board meeting.
He also pointed out that the country will continue to develop its nuclear potential.
TASS has compiled the Russian leader’s key statements.
On special military operation
The outgoing year "was pivotal in achieving the special military operation goals."
The Russian Armed Forces hold "a strong strategic initiative across the entire line of engagement in the special military operation zone."
Russian servicemen have liberated 189 settlements in the special military operation zone over the year.
It is necessary to keep pushing the pace in the special military operation zone.
The situation on the battlefield will not change even if Ukraine lowers the call-up age to 14.
On Ukrainian authorities
Russia is not at war with the Ukrainian people, but with "the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev that seized power back in 2014."
The problem between Russia and Ukraine stems from "the bloody anti-constitutional coup" in Kiev in 2014.
The Kiev regime commits crimes against the Ukrainian and Russian people on a daily basis.
The regime of Vladimir Zelensky does not protect the interests of the Russian people.
"It seems that this regime is losing all the characteristics of statehood."
On unstable situation in world
The military and political situation in the world remains "uneasy and unstable."
The incumbent Washington administration and the West continue to try to rule the world, and continue "imposing on the world their so-called rules, which they change time and again in their interests."
"The US continues to send weapons and money to the actually illegitimate ruling regime in Kiev, sends mercenaries and military advisors, thus encouraging further escalation of the conflict."
The essence of what the US is trying to do with regard to Russia is to push it to its red line and then scare the American people with claims of a Russian threat.
On US, NATO aspirations
"NATO’s aspirations long ago went beyond the so-called zone of historical responsibility."
"In addition to the so-called eastern front, the alliance is expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Encouraged by the United States, new military and political alliances are being formed, undermining the security architecture that has existed for decades."
NATO countries are increasing defense spending and are forming strike groups with servicemen from the alliance’s countries.
The US plans to deploy intermediate range high-accuracy weapons are worrisome.
Russia will drop its voluntary restrictions on the deployment of intermediate-and shorter-range missiles if the United States begins deploying such weapons.
Russia is forced to take additional measures to ensure its security, but it will not get involved in a full-fledged arms race: "Our approach here is careful and prudent."
On development of Russian Armed Forces
Russia now has up to 1.5 million servicemen in the Russian Armed Forces.
This year, about 1,000 people are signing up to join the military every day. "People are going to the front voluntarily."
On nuclear deterrence
The proportion of state-of-the-art weaponry in Russia's strategic nuclear forces has reached 95%.
Russia adheres to its policy of nuclear deterrence in its updated nuclear and by no means indulges in saber rattling.
Moscow will continue to support the potential and balanced development of its nuclear forces.
"It is important to keep non-strategic nuclear forces on constant alert and to continue the practice of holding exercises."