Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about the central role of sovereignty for the Russian Federation during a press briefing held at Gostiny Dvor in Moscow. He emphasized that sovereignty is not a mere concept but a foundational element that shapes the country’s ability to chart its own path, protect its interests, and determine its political and economic priorities on the world stage. According to him, a nation of Russia’s size and history cannot endure without a firm, well-defined sovereignty that supports its security, autonomy, and development prospects. The president argued that sovereignty is the guiding principle for ensuring that the state can act in its own best interest and respond effectively to global challenges while maintaining the integrity of the constitutional order. In Putin’s view, maintaining sovereignty requires purposeful governance, clear decision-making, and a robust commitment to defending national institutions, borders, and the rights of citizens within the legal framework of the country.
The president stressed that guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of citizens must go hand in hand with strengthening the political system. He argued that unambiguous respect for civil rights, the rule of law, and transparent governance are essential components of sovereignty, contributing to social stability and public trust. The remarks highlighted the importance of balancing security concerns with individual liberties, ensuring that citizens have the ability to participate in political processes, express opinions, and seek redress through lawful channels. Putin underscored that a resilient state creates an environment where rights are protected, while the government remains accountable and capable of implementing policies that reflect the will of the people and the realities of the country’s development priorities.
During the briefing, Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the president, indicated that preparations were underway to summarize the year’s outcomes in a live broadcast scheduled for the evening of December 12. Peskov noted that the process would involve the direct line from the President, with inquiries from Russians being received and then processed by representatives of the All-Russian Popular Front, an organization involved in engaging citizens and addressing public concerns. He assured viewers that every important question would be acknowledged and that responses would be provided either as information or through concrete actions to address the concerns raised. The mechanism was described as a way to connect the leadership with citizens while maintaining a structured approach to problem-solving and governance.
In total, the process attracted millions of questions from Russian citizens, illustrating the active interest of the public in the state’s direction and the leadership’s accountability. Observers noted that the event served as a public barometer for how the government listens to society and translates feedback into policy discussions. The coverage documented the scale of public engagement and the willingness of authorities to engage with citizens on a national platform. Previously in Moscow, the press conference began as officials prepared to present a comprehensive view of the year’s developments, highlighting the government’s emphasis on sovereignty, citizens’ rights, and the mechanisms through which public input informs governance. The proceedings reflected an ongoing effort to maintain open channels of communication while reinforcing the principles that underpin the country’s political framework and strategic objectives.