Thread by @olliecarroll

Vladimir #Putin says state of the nation address is about domestic politics. But “a few words” about foreign policy, security too. Fasten your seatbelts.

(Usual structure for these things is: 1) cash for pensioners + doctors, 2) big break around the corner 3) nukes for NATO)

The skeleton in the cupboard //

On a normal day, Putin’s speech would be the main event, but not today. Even before Putin began his speech, protests in support of hunger striking ‘skeletal’ Alexei Navalny were underway in Russian Far East. Arrests have already been reported.

Test systems in 4 days //

Putin says Russia must be ready to produce test systems within 4 days of any future pandemic — and develop vaccines in short order.

And now Belarus //

Ominous. Putin refers to claim of an assassination attempt on Lukashenko. “The practice of organising coups, assassination of leaders is incomprehensible, of course.”

Putin: “Shouting about Russia has become a sport. We behave with restraint, modesty and don’t even respond to outright rudeness. We want to have good relations. But our good intentions should not be seen as weakness.”

“Russia's response will always be swift, asymmetrical and tough” - Putin

Note: no concrete proposals re Belarus — or recognising separatist statelets yet — and we seem to be reaching end of the speech.

Putin says doesn’t want to “burn bridges.” And continues: “Anybody who threatens the fundamental interests of our security will regret it like they have not regretted anything”

Bit of a damp squib this speech, and certainly won’t be leading headlines later today. Finished with a bit on how Mr Putin learned to love the bomb, a bit on Covid, and how bright futures await. Ends.