Putin was giving a little more than an hour a speech before both chambers of the Federal Assembly

Author:

Bojan Arežina
http://www.vecernji.hr/autori/bojan-arezinavlm-3448/profil

Russian President Vladimir Putin held today its annual State of the Union speech in the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

In as little more than an hour Putin gave a speech before both houses of Parliament - the Federation Council and the State Duma. The Kremlin had, for this event, 495 accredited journalists from Russian and foreign newspapers, magazines, portals and TV and radio stations.

Putin said that the sanctions imposed by the West imposed on Russia for the Ukrainian crisis are just an excuse for the suppression of Russia's potential for growth, according to RT.

- Every time they believe that Russia is becoming too strong, they use these instruments. But it is pointless to talk with Russia with language of force - said Putin.

Reuters says Putin said that some countries wanted Russia to fall apart as Yugoslavia and said that Moscow will not allow it. He also said that Russia does not want to go through the insulation, but wants to continue cooperation with the US and Europe.

Putin has not regretted the annexation of Crimea saying that its territory for Russia has a sacred meaning that dates back to the time of the spread of Christianity, the BBC reported. He accused West of cynicism, saying they would impost sanctions even if Russia did not annex Crimea, under some other pretext.

Putin also said that the state should close the offshore-page in its history and to introduce an amnesty so all the money is returned to Russia. He also announced the freezing of taxes for four years and a number of other economic reforms, after which there has occurred a growth of Ruble for 0.4 percent - to 53 against the US dollar.

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IZAKOVIC