MOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin recently held his annual year-end press conference, which has become notorious for its duration and the range of topics covered. This year, the event lasted about four and a half hours, where Putin sought to reinforce his authority by discussing the military operation in Ukraine, economic conditions at home, and some controversially phrased comments.
Addressing the media, Putin made bold claims about the progress of Russia’s military efforts, asserting, "Russia has become much stronger over the past two or three years because it has become truly sovereign" (reported by AP). He contended the actions taken since the onset of the Ukraine war have elevated Russia's military capabilities, stating, "We are standing firm. The military capability now is the strongest in the world." His remarks came amid the backdrop of continued fighting and significant setbacks for Russian forces.
One particularly notable moment during the conference was Putin's response to questions surrounding military losses. He referred to the recent assassination of Lt. Gen Igor Kirillov—widely seen as a significant blow to Russian military ranks—as a "major blunder" by security agencies, emphasizing the need for improvement.
The conference wasn't just about military matters; Putin also discussed the economic situation. He claimed, "The economy is on track to grow by nearly 4% this year," though he also acknowledged concerns about inflation, which currently hovers around 9.3%. His confidence stood at odds with analyses from experts who suggested the reality was far less rosy.
Even as he extolled domestic success, international relations loomed large. Putin expressed readiness for diplomatic talks if discussions materialize with President-elect Donald Trump, previously tentatively promising to negotiate for peace. "If we meet with Mr. Trump, we will have things to discuss," he assured, underlining his stance on Ukraine's future—namely, the insistence on Ukraine abandoning NATO ambitions as part of any deal.
While Putin painted this convincing veneer of control and success, critics were not as assured. Economist Konstantin Sonin remarked on the absurdity of the press conference, likening it to propaganda where "made-up numbers" and evasive answers painted over serious challenges faced by the country. His commentary reflects broader dissent, including notable figures like Tymofiy Mylovanov, who questioned how leadership could sustain comfort is situations of instability and blatant military losses.
The press conference also veered unsettlingly toward the antisemitic, with Putin making inflammatory remarks against Jewish groups he accused of undermining the Russian Orthodox Church. He described them as "people without kin or memory, with no roots," reflecting rhetoric chillingly reminiscent of state antisemitism under Stalin. This alarming comment has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly from former chief rabbi of Moscow, Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, who linked this to historical campaigns against the Jewish community.
Adding complexity to the already fraught situation was the representation of the Russian Orthodox Church and its relationship with the government. Putin lamented punitive measures adopted by various European nations and employed derogatory descriptions of those perceived to be threats to the church. Despite these challenges, he maintained the church's legitimacy and importance to the state.
Following the conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faced questions on the feasibility of negotiations post-Putin's assertions. He and other critics expressed concern about Putin's apparent detachment from reality, with Zelensky challenging, "Do you think it’s a sane person?" His skepticism echoes the sentiment of those observing Putin's floundering control amid the conflict.
Lastly, Putin's reiteration of military goals did little to assure the fretful populace. While boasting of advances, his non-committal timeframe for the expulsion of Ukrainian forces from regions like Kursk left many wondering about the sustainability of such remarks. Essentially, it offered little clarity to the citizens who endure rising living costs coupled with uncertainty about their leaders' military aspirations.
Putin's grandstanding may serve to bolster perceptions at home, but as the aftermath of this conference shows, it could be merely gilding the reality of Russia's increasingly precarious position—both on the battlefield and within its own borders. The challenge for Putin now lies not only in external conflicts but also managing the internal discontent brought forth by economic struggles and military setbacks.
