President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin - full statement 2024.11.21 - Part 2

Let me remind you that Russia voluntarily, unilaterally undertook not to deploy intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles until the American weapons of this kind appeared in any region of the world.

I repeat: we are conducting tests in combat conditions of the Oreshnik missile system in response to the aggressive actions of NATO countries against Russia. The issue of further deployment of medium- and shorter-range missiles will be decided by us depending on the actions of the United States and its satellites. The targets for destruction during further tests of our newest missile systems will be determined by us based on threats to the security of the Russian Federation. We consider ourselves entitled to use our weapons against the military facilities of those countries that allow their weapons to be used against our facilities, and in the event of an escalation of aggressive actions, we will respond just as decisively and mirror. I recommend that the ruling elites of those countries that are hatching plans to use their military contingents against Russia seriously think about this.

Of course, choosing, if necessary and as a response, objects for the destruction of systems such as Oreshnik on the territory of the Ukraine, we will offer civilians in advance, as well as ask the citizens of friendly states located there to leave the danger zones. We will do this for humanitarian reasons — openly, publicly, without fear of opposition from the enemy, who also receives this information.

Why without fear? Because there are no means of countering such weapons today. Missiles attack targets at a speed of Mach 10 — this is 2.5−3 kilometers per second. Modern air defense systems available in the world and missile defense systems created by the Americans in Europe do not intercept such missiles, this is excluded.

I emphasize once again that it's not Russia but the United States which has destroyed the international security system and, continuing to struggle, clinging to its hegemony, is pushing the whole world towards a global conflict. We have always preferred and are now ready to resolve all controversial issues by peaceful means, but we are also ready for any development of events.

If anyone else doubts this, it's in vain - there will always be a response."