Putin addresses Russian legislators

Some countries in the Middle East and North Africa, “which used to be stable and relatively prosperous” – Iraq, Libya, Syria – “have turned into zones of chaos and anarchy that pose a threat to the entire world,” Putin said.

“We know why it happened. We know who wanted to oust unwanted regimes, and rudely impose their own rules. They triggered hostilities, destroyed statehoods, set people against each other and simply washed their hands [of the situation] – giving way to radicals, extremists and terrorists.”

“Russia has long been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism. This is a fight for freedom, truth and justice, for the lives of people and the future of all civilization,” said Putin.

Russia can provide the global market with ecologically-clean food, said Vladimir Putin.

We need to support people with low income and people with special needs, Putin said.