Putin Set to Convene Extended Defense Board Meeting to Review 2023 Outcomes and 2024 Priorities
A wide-reaching session is planned for December 19, where President Vladimir Putin will preside over an extended meeting of the Board of Directors of the Ministry of Defense. The gathering, anticipated to be held at Russia’s National Defense Management Center, will review the past year’s results and set the tone for the year ahead. This scheduling was reported by RIA Novosti, citing the Kremlin press service, and underscores the central role of the defense apparatus in shaping strategic direction for the armed forces. The official notice describes the event as a formal summary of 2023 activities and a forecast of upcoming tasks within the defense framework. (Kremlin press service) (RIA Novosti)
According to the message from the Kremlin, the meeting’s objective is to distill and communicate the outcomes of the Russian Armed Forces’ operations over 2023. It will also outline the main objectives for the coming year and identify the priorities for advancing the capabilities and readiness of the Russian army and navy. These priorities are expected to guide defense doctrine, modernization programs, and organizational planning across the military commands and central control bodies. (Kremlin press service)
In addition, the press service noted that the agenda will feature a determination of strategic tasks for the next year and the prioritization of development efforts across service branches. Attendees will include military district commands, branches of the Armed Forces, heads of central military command and control bodies, and representatives from federal executive authorities. The structure signals a coordinated approach to defense planning that involves multiple layers of government and the armed forces. (Kremlin press service)
During a conference call in early December, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu outlined the current strategic posture. He indicated that Russian troops were extending their control zone in all directions within the scope of the special military operation and that Russian forces maintained a superior position while continuing to conduct active defense. Shoigu emphasized that the operational picture had matured in a way that supported a defensive but robust posture across theaters. (Kremlin press service)
According to the minister, the combination of an all-out mobilization and Western weapons did not alter the general trajectory of the hostilities in Ukraine. He suggested that despite significant material and political support for Kyiv from Western allies, these factors did not translate into a decisive strategic shift on the ground. The remark pointed readers to further analysis in material published by socialbites.ca. (Kremlin press service; Socialbites.ca)
Earlier in December, Shoigu also spoke on the broader implications and potential consequences of the Ukrainian counter-offensive, underscoring the ongoing assessment of battlefield dynamics. (Kremlin press service)