Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that he would continue to improve his military capability, including the “combat readiness” of his nuclear forces, amid the conflict in Ukraine and the crisis with the West.
• Read more: Putin opens huge gas field in Siberia to supply China
• Read more: Ukraine: “Extremely difficult” situation in territories under Russian control
• Read more: Zelensky is expected in Washington on Wednesday
“The armed forces and combat capabilities of our armed forces are continuously increasing every day. This process, of course, we will develop it,” Putin said during a meeting with senior military officials.
“We will continue to maintain and improve the combat readiness of our nuclear triad,” he added.
For example, he announced the entry into service “in early January” of the new Russian hypersonic Zircon cruise missiles, a new family of weapons developed by Moscow in recent years.
The Kremlin leader spoke to an audience of senior officials at a meeting to set the Russian military’s objectives for 2023, when it will be fully engaged in Ukraine.
One of the “priorities” is “continue special action”. [en Ukraine] Until all its tasks are completed,” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
The latter also said Moscow would deploy naval bases “for support vessels, emergency rescue services and naval repair units” in the two occupied Ukrainian cities of Berdyansk and Mariupol.
Mr. Shoigu writes in Ukraine that “the Russian army is resisting the combined forces of the West. […] “The increasing presence of the West on our borders and on the borders of Belarus, and the West’s willingness to extend military operations in Ukraine as long as possible to weaken our country,” he added.
Sergei Shoigu considered increasing the number of Russian military personnel to 1.5 million, raising the age limit for military service, and creating two new military administrative institutions in northwestern Russia.
“I agree with your proposals regarding the future structural changes of the armed forces,” replied Vladimir Putin, assuring that these developments would be carried out “without harm” to Russian society and the economy.
Mr. Putin briefly paid tribute to the Russian soldiers who fell during the attack.
“Of course, military operations are always associated with tragedy and loss of life. But as is inevitable, today is better than tomorrow,” he said.
The Ukraine conflict is a “common tragedy,” but Russia is not to blame, Putin added.
He also assured that Moscow has no problem financing its military operations, despite Western sanctions.
“We have no financial constraints. The country and the government give whatever the army asks for. Absolutely everything! “, said the Russian leader, who ordered a military mobilization in September after military setbacks from Moscow.
He recalled that 300,000 Russians had been mobilized since that date and that “part” of them were already in the war.
“150,000 [mobilisés] Training is provided at military bases. It is an adequate reserve to conduct operations, a strategic reserve that is not used in military operations,” he said.
