As of: February 7, 2024, 5:09 a.m
By: Alexandra Heidsiek
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Press
Split
Shortly before the election in Russia, Vladimir Putin once again addressed his people.
His annual speech is scheduled to take place in late February or early March.
Moscow - Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to give his annual State of the Union address between February 23rd and March 8th.
This was reported by the daily
Kommersant
with reference to four sources close to the presidential administration.
The medium described three topics as likely points of discussion: the country's economic situation, the war goals and family values.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at a meeting with his campaign activists.
© Alexander Zemlianichenko/dpa
Putin could talk about economic growth and the war in Ukraine
Despite all forecasts, Russia's economy developed well in the first two years of the war.
According to its own information, the country recorded growth of 3.5 percent.
High oil prices and a weak ruble supported an economy that continues to be fueled by mass arms production.
This is not sustainable, but it is effective: in terms of purchasing power parity - i.e. the real value of a currency for local purchases - Russia would even be ahead of Germany in 2023, as Putin repeatedly emphasized to the Russian press.
Regarding the goals in the Ukraine war, the Russian president is unlikely to speculate about an end to the hostilities.
However, he could discuss the “demilitarized zone” that Kremlin soldiers are supposedly fighting for to protect Russian settlements.
He also probably won't talk about the massive losses on the front that Moscow is currently suffering.
Speech is a guide for Putin's campaign in the Russia election
Most recently, Vladimir Putin chose 2024 as the “Year of the Family” in his New Year’s speech.
Russia has a demographic problem that Moscow wants to counteract with its so-called “traditional values”.
This includes encouraging families to have as many children as possible - and intimidating women who want to have an abortion.
At a press conference on December 23, the president also promised to reform primary health care.
This modernization is also an important election campaign issue for the Kremlin leader.
The presidential election will take place in Russia from March 15 to 17, 2024.
The State of the Union speech is constitutionally required and has nothing formally to do with the election: In the speech, the President sets out the key political points of the year.
Nevertheless, it is an important address to his voters, because Putin does not usually debate other presidential candidates.
His renewed victory is considered certain.
In his last speech, Putin suspended Russia's participation in the New START nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
In 2022 he canceled it for the first time.
(uh)