Putin Calls Participants in the “Special Military Operation” Russia’s “True Elite” at United Russia Congress

Vladimir Putin said Russia “cannot be defeated on the battlefield,” and that the West is therefore trying to destabilize the political situation inside the country—but is failing there as well.

Speaking at a United Russia congress, the Russian president said Moscow’s opponents are trying to sow turmoil and undermine the unity of Russian society. He called participants in the war against Ukraine “Russia’s true elite” and said the country supports its army and navy.

Putin also said Russia is adjusting individual plans in light of the situation, but that all strategic goals will be achieved. He called the current period a “fateful time” for the country.

Separately, Putin accused the West of supporting Ukraine, which, he claims, is being used as a “battering ram” against Russia. He also said the Ukrainian army is “retreating along the entire line of contact” and is therefore turning to “openly terrorist actions.”

According to Putin, Russia is being “tested” and there are attempts to eliminate it as an independent global factor that “has always stood in the way of evil.”