“There Will Always Be a Response”: Full Text of Putin’s Fearmongering Speech on Retaliation Against the West

I would like to inform the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the citizens of our country, our friends around the world, and those who continue to harbor illusions about the possibility of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia, about the events currently unfolding in the special military operation  zone. Specifically, after the use of Western long-range precision weapons against our territory, continuing the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine provoked by the West, the United States and its NATO allies previously announced their approval for the use of these weapons against Russian territory. Experts are well aware, and the Russian side has repeatedly emphasized, that using such weapons without direct involvement from military specialists of the countries producing these systems is impossible.

On November 19, six operational-tactical attack missiles of US manufacture, and on November 21, as part of a combined missile strike with "Storm Shadow" missiles from the United Kingdom and "HIMARS" from the US, attacks were carried out on military targets within the Russian Federation. This escalation, provoked by the West, has led to the regional conflict in Ukraine taking on global dimensions. Our air defense system repelled these attacks. As a result, the objectives set by the enemy were not achieved. Fires that broke out at an ammunition depot in Bryansk region due to falling wreckage of ATACMS missiles have been extinguished. There were no casualties or significant damage.

In Kursk region, an attack was carried out on one of our group's command posts. Unfortunately, there were casualties, including killed and wounded personnel from external security and support staff. The command and operational staff of the command post were unharmed and are continuing to lead our forces' operations to eliminate and expel enemy units from the Kursk region.

I would like to emphasize once again that the use of such weapons by the enemy will not affect the course of the combat actions in the special military operation zone. Our forces are successfully advancing along the entire front line. All the objectives we have set will be accomplished.

In response to the use of US and British long-range weapons on November 21, 2023, the Russian Armed Forces launched a combined strike on one of Ukraine's defense industry facilities. Among the operations, we also conducted a test of one of Russia's newest medium-range missile systems under combat conditions, specifically a ballistic missile with non-nuclear hypersonic capabilities. Our missile crews have named it "Oreshnik."

The tests were successful, and the launch's target was achieved. In the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, one of the largest and most well-known industrial complexes from the Soviet era, which continues to manufacture missile technology and other weapons, was struck. The development of medium- and shorter-range missiles is part of our response to the US plans to produce and deploy such missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

We believe the United States made a mistake in 2019 when it unilaterally withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty under a pretext, effectively dismantling the system that had prevented the proliferation of such missiles. Today, the US not only produces this kind of equipment but also, as we can see, has tested the deployment of its prospective missile systems to various regions of the world, including Europe. Furthermore, during exercises, the US has trained its forces on the use of such weapons. I would like to remind that Russia voluntarily committed, unilaterally, to refrain from deploying medium- and shorter-range missiles until the US places such weapons in any region of the world.

Once again, I stress that the tests of the "Oreshnik" missile system under combat conditions are being conducted in response to NATO's aggressive actions toward Russia. The issue of further deployment of medium- and shorter-range missiles will be decided based on the actions of the US and its allies.

Targets for future testing 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 targets of those countries that allow the use of their weapons against Russian targets. In the event of escalation, we will respond decisively and in kind. I advise the ruling elites of those countries planning to use their military forces against Russia to seriously consider this.

Of course, should we need to strike targets in Ukraine in response, we will provide warnings to civilians and ask citizens of friendly states in those regions to evacuate from danger zones. This will be done on humanitarian grounds, transparently and publicly, without concern for any retaliation from the enemy, who will also be informed.

Why without concern? Because there are currently no means to counter such weapons. These missiles strike targets at speeds of up to 10 Mach, or 2.5–3 kilometers per second. The existing air defense systems around the world, including those being developed by the US in Europe, are unable to intercept such missiles. This is a certainty.

Once again, I emphasize that it is not Russia, but the United States, that has destroyed the international security system. By clinging to its hegemony, it is pushing the world toward global conflict. We have always preferred, and still are ready, to resolve all disputes by peaceful means. But we are also prepared for any developments. There will always be a response.