EOnce a year, Russia’s president gives his address to the nation. To this end, Vladimir Putin gathers his elite from parliament, government and church as well as selected individuals in front of the state television cameras. Only in 2022 did he cancel the “Message to the Federal Assembly,” as it was officially called. At that time, according to Putin, the situation was developing too “dynamically” to make plans because of the “special military operation,” the war of aggression against Ukraine.
Even now Moscow sees momentum, but a positive one. To get in the mood for Putin’s appearance, state television showed on Thursday how Russian soldiers “cleaned up” a ruin in southern Ukraine, firing from armored personnel carriers and assault rifles. It then highlights that the next American aid package for Ukraine continues to be blocked in Washington and casts doubt on the capabilities of the president there. The subtext is that the 71-year-old Putin is fitter than American President Joe Biden, who is ten years older, and can continue to rule for a long time. Putin himself announced that the speech would be about “the tasks for at least the next six years”. His confirmation as president in sham elections in two and a half weeks is certain. In 2020, a constitutional reform gave Putin the opportunity to run now and again in 2030.
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