As in prior years, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, conducted his traditional marathon press conference this Thursday, addressing the most consequential issues shaping the near future. Topics ranged from the war in Ukraine to inflation, Russia’s foreign policy strategy, and the internal tensions with the opposition, led by Alexei Navalny, who has been absent for a week.
Here are five key takeaways from the session:
“Nazification” of Ukraine
Peace, according to the speaker, will come only after Russia achieves its goals. He reminded listeners of the overarching objectives: denazification and the demilitarization of Ukraine, with a neutral status being the endpoint. Despite ongoing military operations, Russian commanders report slower resistance than anticipated. The broader stance remains that Russia will not retreat from its aim to shape Ukraine into a dependent state and will resist joining with Ukraine on Western terms. NATO and Western alliances are framed as a central concern for the Kremlin.
“Civil war”
The situation is described as resembling a civil conflict. Southeastern Ukraine is portrayed as historically pro-Russian, raising questions about Ukraine’s role in its own internal strife. The speaker notes that the term Little Russia, used in imperial times to describe Ukrainian lands, reflects a claim of historic ownership. This rhetoric is presented as confirming Russia’s view of Ukraine as part of a broader Russian sphere of influence.
Blaming Europe
The narrative maintains that Russia did not damage relations with Europe; rather, the opposite occurred. At the turn of the century, Russia pursued better ties with the West, but disagreements and the political upheavals in former Soviet states shifted the direction. The annexation of Crimea and the conflicts in Donbas are cited as turning points, with Kyiv and other European partners accused of interference in regional dynamics. Attribution centers on a perceived shift away from collaboration toward confrontation in recent years.
Doctrine of patriotism
There is emphasis on instilling patriotism among the youth. Young Russians are depicted as the least supportive of the government and its military goals, prompting a Kremlin strategy that leverages patriotic messaging in schools. Recently issued manuals describe the so-called special military operation and frame patriotic reasoning as a duty to defend the homeland, presenting soldiers ready to act with resolve.
Without war mobilization
The position remains that there is no need for a new mobilization in Russia. While a strong patriotic narrative surrounds military service, there is a clear concern about public sentiment and the potential for social unrest. The leadership signals it will avoid general mobilization due to its political and social costs, aiming to keep civilian support stable while pursuing strategic objectives.
[Citation attribution: Official statements from the press conference, summarized for informational purposes.]