Reprinted from Paul Craig Roberts
In his Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the Federal Assembly that Washington's plan for Russia is to break the country into pieces as was done to Yugoslavia. The American scenario for Russia is "disintegration and dismemberment." Putin reminded Washington that speaking to Russia from a position of force is futile and will lead Washington to the same fate as Hitler.
Putin also noted that Washington's disregard for its own and international law had made the United States into a lawless state that is a danger to the world. William Rockler, a Nuremberg Tribunal Prosecutor of Nazi war crimes has come to the same conclusion as Putin: "The United States has discarded pretensions to international legality and decency, and embarked on a course of raw imperialism run amok."
Russia, Putin said, will deal decisively with anyone who brings force to Russia, as Russia always has. The difficulties that the Americans are bringing us "create new opportunities for us. We are ready to take up any challenge and win."
Most of Putin's address is about Russia's development plans. At every stage of these plans Putin stresses that the focus is on the welfare of the Russian population, not on the creation of a small class of rich elites. Education, healthcare, and the social welfare system are a public benefit for all citizens. "Attention to the people cannot be faked." Self-respect and honor are the basis for reputation, and the reputation of hospitals, schools, universities, and social institutions are important to Russia's reputation.
There is no belligerence in Putin's address. We do not go about seeking enemies, he told the Assembly. Russia will cooperate with any country on an equal basis, but Russia will not be an American vassal.
Here is the URL to a rushed official translation of Putin's address. Nuances and some precision of meaning and word choices are lost to time demands.
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