We are now closing our live blog on Putin's address. You can keep up with our continuing news coverage of the event and reaction to it here.
Putin Warns U.S. Not To Discount Russia's Weapons Capabilities
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the United States not discount the power of his country's weapons. In his annual state-of-the-nation address on February 20, Putin said that he wanted friendly relations with Washington but any serious threats to Russia's security would be reciprocated. (Reuters)
- By Carl Schreck
Some stats from our colleagues over at CurrentTime.tv:
--Putin's address lasted 1:27 minutes.
--Putin received applause at least 53 times during the speech.
Winding up. Says Russia will only achieve its goals by being united, by working together to implement "the conscious choice of the people." Calls for justice and equal opportunity. Calls for the "consolidation" of society, which is required for success. Says this success will definitely be achieved.
Praises "antiterrorist" operation in Syria, where Russian tactics and weapons were tested successfully.
Says U.S. ignores Russia's "legitimate interests" and is constantly organizing "anti-Russian activities," including illegal economic sanctions. Says Russia is not a threat to the U.S. but wants a friendly, mutually respectful relationship. "We are not interested in confrontation and do not seek it," he said. Says U.S. is pursuing a destructive and mistaken policy.
Putin will have a little more time to focus on those domestic issues the day after his address: Netanyahu's Russia trip postponed