Russian leader Vladimir Putin spoke to the Russian people Thursday. The speech was shown on large screens and cinemas in several Russian cities.
Putin said things are going well for Russian soldiers in the war in Ukraine. He threatened to use nuclear weapons if NATO sends soldiers to Ukraine. French leader Emmanuel Macron recently said some countries might send soldiers to Ukraine in the future.
Several other leaders in Europe, like Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, say these plans do not exist. Putin also said that Russia must have more soldiers in western Ukraine, because Finland and Sweden will soon join NATO. For two centuries Sweden has remained neutral.
Putin spoke mostly about Russia. He promised more money to the country’s schools. He also said that Russian families must have more children. Russian elections are in two weeks. Putin will likely be the winner, since many believe Russia does not have free elections.
He said nothing about how his primary opponent Alexei Navalny died in a Russian prison. The funeral for Navalny happened Friday, March 1 in Moscow. Thousands attended.
