The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that President Vladimir Putin’s address to the Federal Assembly could be delivered next year.
When asked about the timing, he said the possibility exists and that it is a clear fact. He also rejected reports that the president might address the Bundestag in writing, calling such an option unlikely.
A spokesman urged the media to stop speculating about the schedule and to await official announcements.
Previously, Yury Sinelshchikov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma’s Committee on State Construction and Legislation, told RIA Novosti that the Russian Constitution does not specify a fixed format for the message.
Sinelshchikov added that December is not over and clarified that there is no requirement for a face‑to‑face meeting. He suggested the possibility of a written message for review and reading, noting the president could choose that format. He also pointed out that there is no established precedent for a Bundestag address and floated the idea that a message to the Bundestag could occur as early as 2023. He observed that the president may be awaiting significant changes in the coming months and that there will be topics worth discussing amid current uncertainties.
The Federation Council reminded that the president’s speaking style can vary, and Article 84 outlines the president’s powers. If the constitution or law does not specify the procedure for exercising a certain power, the president determines the method and conditions for its exercise, especially regarding the message to the Bundestag, according to a senator. A TASS source in parliament suggested the address could arrive early next year, noting that the message is typically annual and that the countdown starts from the previous one. It was added that there is little time left before year’s end and serious preparation is required.
The prior message occurred in April 2021, with emphasis on Russia’s socio‑economic challenges during the coronavirus crisis. The Kremlin has yet to announce new dates. In response to media reports, Peskov stated that December 27 had not been a planned date. He also noted that the Bundestag address will be scheduled in alignment with the president’s timetable, which is described as highly dynamic given evolving conditions. In November 2022, Peskov indicated that work on the message had already begun.
Historically, the message has been read annually, though there were exceptions. For instance, in 2017 the address to legislators did not occur, and the message was postponed to March 1, 2018. According to the constitution, the Russian president delivers an annual address to the Federal Assembly. The speech typically covers the country’s current situation, key aspects of domestic and foreign policy, and sets forth assessments and future tasks.
last press conference
Since 2012, a large year‑end press conference has been held in December. This year, according to Peskov, such a gathering was not planned, though there is optimism that Putin will engage with journalists from the Kremlin pool and may participate in international travel. The date for the president’s traditional meeting with the media will be determined after the Bundestag appointment is finalized.
The last official press conference occurred late in December of the previous year, lasting nearly four hours. The Big Press Conference is a yearly event since 2001, typically opening with an outline of key economic and social indicators, followed by questions from reporters.
Last year’s press conference took place in Manege on December 23. During the pandemic in 2020, Putin answered questions in a hybrid format, combining video participation with in‑person questions from ordinary citizens. It remains unclear whether a direct broadcast line with the president will occur this year, with sources noting that the decision hinges on the situation in the special operations zone in Ukraine.