There is a Path to Victory in Ukraine
Foreign AffairsDec 03, 2023
Putin Holds Annual Press Conference as Re-Election Bid Begins
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Image copyright: The Kremlin [via Wikimedia Commons]
The Facts
After announcing his bid for re-election last week, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin held his annual press conference on Thursday, this year combining the event with "direct line" — an opportunity for everyday Russians to write to Putin with their questions and concerns. The Kremlin said that roughly 2M people had submitted questions ahead of the four-hour event which took place in Moscow.
Putin's opening remarks noted his thoughts on the importance of Russia's sovereignty. He said the economy was strong for a country in war-time before the subject quickly turned to Ukraine. "There will be peace [in Ukraine] when we achieve our objectives," he said, adding that Russia's goals of "de-Nazification," demilitarization and of Ukraine's neutral status remain unchanged from the outset of the war.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This is a highly choreographed event that's intended to invigorate Putin's 2024 election campaign. With the Kremlin screening questions to paint Putin in a favorable light, this whole event is a spectacle rather than any real attempt to have scrutiny.
Pro-Russia narrative
As is customary every year, Putin gives people from across Russia — be they journalists or otherwise — the opportunity to ask him questions on all manner of issues relating to the state, its health and its direction. This is an unfiltered event where Putin speaks openly.
