Vladimir Putin began and ended his annual state of the nation address with it, making crystal clear what is his priority: terrorism.
Russia's fight against Islamist militants was no doubt the main topic of his hourlong speech inside the glittering halls of the Kremlin on Thursday. The president also hit at Turkey over its shooting down of a Russian jet, highlighted what he said was proof of Russia's economy pulling out of recession and touched again on the annexation of Crimea.
It wasn't the most inspiring speech of his 15 years in power, as evidenced perhaps by the many audience members who struggled to stay awake.
Like these guys.
Early reactions to Putin's inspiring state of the nation address. pic.twitter.com/SX0aCNj5Fp— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) December 3, 2015
And, of course, Prime Minster Dmitry Medvedev.
Who fell asleep at Putin's speech? So far Sechin & (as always) Medvedev down. pic.twitter.com/uEpahutGb8— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) December 3, 2015
Here are the quotes that stood out, and our interpretation of what they mean.
On terrorism
"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 the entire civilization."
"The terrorist threat is growing," Putin warned. "Meanwhile, such recently stable and sufficiently well-to-do countries of the Middle East and Northern Africa as Iraq, Libya and Syria have turned into a zone of chaos and anarchy, spreading the threat across the world."
Translation: We will continue the fight, and we will be merciless.
"We must set aside all our conflicts and differences of opinion and form one powerful fist, a single anti-terrorist front that would work on the basis of international law and under the aegis of the United Nations."
Translation: ... led by Russia.
On Turkey
"Allah knows why they did it. Allah decided to punish the ruling clique in Turkey by depriving them of their intelligence and reason."
"We are not planning to engage in military sabre-rattling," Putin said, foreshadowing Russia's response to Turkey downing its jet last week. "But if anyone thinks that having committed this awful war crime, the murder of our people, that they are going to get away with some measures concerning their tomatoes or some limits on construction and other sectors, they are sorely mistaken."
Translation: This is personal. Nobody shoots down one of our planes and gets away with it. We're coming for you, Turkey.
On the economy
"The [economic] situation is very difficult, but -- and I have already spoken about this -- I want to repeat: it is not critical."
"Russia should not wait for oil prices to grow. We have to be ready for the fact that sanctions and low prices will stay with us for a while," said the president.
In the meantime, "we need to further strengthen the trust between government and business, to improve the business climate in the country."
Translation: Actually, we're not out of the woods yet. But I'll be damned if I admit it.
On Crimea
"Russia experienced another important benchmark when Crimea rejoined the country in March 2014."
Then, "Russia asserted itself fully as a strong independent state with a 1,000-year-old history and great traditions, a nation consolidated by common values and common goals."
Translation: I've restored Russia's greatness.
On unity
"Divided, we'll be immediately destroyed. Our strength lies in unity, in the military, in benevolent nepotism, which multiplies the growth of the people, and the natural growth of our inner wealth and peace."
"At the same time," Putin continued after quoting Russian scientist Dmitry Mendeleev, "Russia is part of a global world which is changing rapidly, and we are well aware of the complexity and scale of the problems -- both external and internal."
Translation: Russians first. Always. And our military power will allow us to overcome our problems.