Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the extended meeting with the senior officials of the Russian Ministry of Defense on the activities of 2022 with Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu.
Pointing out that the Russian government does not limit the support of the Russian army, Putin said, “First aid equipment, food, uniforms, shoes, headgear, bulletproof vests, everything must be modern and of high quality. There are no restrictions on the budget. The government does whatever the army wants. It gives everything,” he said.
Stating that the Russian economy will not be harmed for the support for the army, Putin said, “We will not repeat the mistakes of the past in order to increase its defense capability. We will not militarize the country and the economy. The level of development we have reached today and the structure of the economy do not require this. We have everything.”
“IMMEDIATE MISSION TO DEVELOP UAVS”
Stressing that the ministry should be open to criticism, Putin said, “I ask the Russian Ministry of Defense to be responsive to all civilian initiatives, including taking criticisms into account and responding in a timely manner.”
Noting that people sometimes give emotional reactions, Putin said, “However, those who do not cover up the existing problems and try to contribute to the solution must be heard.”
Underlining the need to pay special attention to the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Putin said, “The development of UAVs and steps to improve their use are an urgent task. Experiences in special military operations have shown that the use of UAVs has become widespread almost everywhere and such ammunition is necessary.” said.
Putin added that the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, also called “Satan-2”, will soon enter the inventory of the Russian army.
“RUSSIA’S ‘NUCLEAR TRIPLE’ IS AT A HIGH LEVEL”
Shoigu also said that the “Sarmat” intercontinental ballistic missile had been “successfully” tested before and the deployment process of these missiles had begun.
Stating that “Tu-160M” and “Tu-95M” type warplanes are included in Russia’s Air Strategic Nuclear Forces, Shoigu shared the information that the serial shipment of the “Tsirkon” hypersonic missile has begun.
Stating that the strategic deterrence of Russia’s “nuclear triad” (strategic bombers, ground-based missiles and ballistic missile submarines) is at a high level, Shoigu said that the readiness level of the Strategic Nuclear Forces has been increased to 91.3 percent.
“WE WILL CONTINUE SPECIAL MILITARY OPERATION IN 2023”
Shoigu emphasized that the security of his country should be ensured and said:
- Taking into account NATO’s attempts to strengthen its military potential near the Russian borders and to expand with Finland and Sweden, measures should be taken, including the creation of a military contingent in the northwest of Russia.
Stating that they plan to increase the age of conscription for Russian citizens to 30, Shoigu said that “Moscow” and “Leningrad” military zones will be created.
Noting that 2 divisions will be established in the Russian Airborne Forces, Shoigu said, “In order to solve the problems related to ensuring the security of the Russian Federation, the number of soldiers in the army should be increased to 1.5 million.”
Shoigu said, “Our primary goal for 2023 is to continue the special military operation and ensure peace and stability for Russian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh and Syria.”
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