“Putin delivers his annual speech to parliament on the second anniversary of the war”: what can we expect? | Ukraine-Russia war

Putin delivers a speech every year to the State Duma (lower house of parliament) and the Russian Federation Council (upper house). During his speech, the President took stock of the past year and identified new strategic directions.

According to Kommersant newspaper, Putin will address parliament this year from February 23 to March 8. There is no specific date yet. It is known that the so-called “State of the Nation” will roughly coincide with the second anniversary of the war. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

What exactly Putin will talk about in his speech remains a well-kept secret for now, Kommersant writes. However, sources expect that the president may boast of Russia's “victories in Ukraine” and Moscow's “ability to hold out despite Western sanctions.” In addition, he will talk about the economic and social situation in Russia and “family values.”

The sources claim that “he may not set a date for the end of the war, but the efforts made by Russia to protect its cities will be discussed.”

Putin will also reportedly outline his election platform during his speech. The Russian presidential elections are scheduled to be held from March 15 to 17. Currently, Putin only has one rival: 60-year-old Boris Nadezhdin. Nadezhdin is openly critical of Putin's policies and is an outspoken opponent of the war. However, Putin is almost certain to be re-elected again and remain Russia's president for at least another six years, until 2030.

The Kremlin has already announced that preparations for Putin's speech are in full swing and that the population will be informed “in due course.”

Last year, Putin promised during his speech to continue military operations in Ukraine. The Russian president also repeatedly criticized the West, saying it had “made Ukraine hostile to Russia for a long time.”