Russia's Putin reconvened a two-year hiatus at the year-end press conference on December 15, a grand event that attracted global attention, and Western countries wanted to peek into Russia's future policy direction from Putin's speech. At the press conference, Putin showed a strong self-confidence, and the entire Russia and the Russian-Ukrainian war are completely under his control, mainly in the following ways:
First, regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Putin said that the goals of Ukraine's demilitarization and 'denazification' have not changed, and peace will come when the goals are achieved. He reiterated that he is open to peace talks, but that Russia will not compromise for a ceasefire and must take into account the realities. He also said that Russian forces have repelled Ukraine's ** this year and are currently launching offensives in several areas of the front line.
Second, regarding the arrest of Wall Street journalist Evan Gershkovich in March last year on espionage charges, Putin hinted that a prisoner exchange agreement could be reached with the United States or other Western countries, but the agreement should be acceptable to both sides. Just hours before Putin's briefing, a Moscow court upheld Gershkovich's detention sentence, and the journalist, who has been held for 260 days, will be held until at least the end of January.
Thirdly, on the issue of re-conscription, Putin said that there is no need for re-conscription, because about 500,000 people have already voluntarily signed up for the army. Putin assured the Russian population that the special military operation would not cause new turmoil in their lives.
Fourthly, regarding Western sanctions, Putin said that Western sanctions have failed to weaken the Russian economy, and Russian military production is rapidly increasing. Russia's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by 35%。The unemployment rate is close to 3%, and inflation could reach 7 by the end of the year5%-8%, and real wages are expected to increase by 8%. Putin believes that the Russian economy is recovering and "taking a big step forward."
Fifth, regarding the economic difficulties of the population, Putin rarely apologized for the soaring eggs, and Putin assured that efforts are being made to solve them, and the problem of soaring eggs will be solved soon.
Throughout the event, Putin showed confidence and control of the situation. Next spring's ** election is expected to give him another six-year reterm, but this time the press conference was not mentioned. A journalist from Russia's Far East expressed support for Putin's candidacy, telling the Russian leader, 'You've been in power for as long as I can remember.' ’
Throughout 1999, Putin has held power in Russia as a ** or prime minister. If he wins and completes his term in March next year, he will become the longest-serving Russian leader since Catherine the Great in the 18th century.
Putin did not mention the vast inequality that exists in Russia, but the questions rolling behind him show that some people expect more than that. One of them asks, 'Why is your reality so different from what we experience?'Another questioner wrote: 'Putin, please tell us, when will our lives get better?'’