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Vladimir Putin (71) calls it a civil conversation. But the event in Moscow, where the Russian president answers questions from his citizens at the end of each year, is nothing more than a fairy tale hour.
In 2022, Putin had the conference canceled. His army made too many negative headlines in view of the Ukrainian reconquests at the time. On Thursday, however, the Kremlin boss once again touched the big propaganda trowel.
It wasn’t his “facts” that were really exciting, but rather what Putin said between the lines. Blick has filtered out the three most important messages. His message to the Americans is particularly harsh.
1
Putin: “It looks like we are coming to the end soon.” Plain text: “Zelensky, give up! You don’t have a chance.”
While Ukraine has to worry about support from the West, things seem to be going well for Russia on the front. Of course, only if you – like Putin – ignore the massive deaths on the battlefield. According to American figures, more than 315,000 Russians have been killed or injured since the outbreak of the war.
The Russian economy grew by 3.5 percent in 2023. Next year, the country will invest $100 billion in the military. The war industry is producing record amounts of weapons. And the North Koreans and Iranians supply drones and ammunition.
A new wave of recruitment is also not necessary, says Putin. There are currently 617,000 Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine. In addition to the 300,000 mobilized men, there are more than 480,000 who voluntarily want to “defend their homeland”. The original war goals were the same as on February 24: “denazification, demilitarization, imposition of a neutral status.”
Putin’s propaganda is working. The country continues its madness even after almost two years of war.
2
Putin: “Yes to better US relations – once internal changes have taken place.” Plain text: “If you vote for Trump, everything will go back to the way it was before.”
Putin caused a stir with his message to Americans: the US is an “important country,” he said. But one that must stop its ‘imperialist behavior’. “Respect other peoples and countries, then we can fully rebuild our relations,” Putin emphasized.
However, this first requires “internal changes”. Putin bluntly repeats what Moscow wants: the quick return of Donald Trump (77) to the White House. Once Trump is back, the hidden message is, everything will be fine again. Trump himself has announced that he will be able to end the war in Ukraine “within 24 hours.”
Putin told Europeans that he knows many people think Russia is doing the right thing. This is grist to the mill of those circles in this country who are also calling for an end to sanctions against Russia and a resumption of economic relations with the gigantic empire.
3
Putin: “What is happening in Gaza is a catastrophe.” Plain text: “Let us unite against the West, my Arab friends!”
Putin describes conditions in Gaza as a “catastrophe”. Putin’s lucid rhetoric and his recent trip to the Middle East, where he was received with the highest honors in Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, show that he is anything but isolated. The fact that the West revolts against Moscow does not mean that Russia no longer has friends.
For example, the volume of trade between Russia and China is higher than ever before, exceeding $200 billion per year.
Conclusion: Putin will easily win the Russian presidential elections on March 17 and will be able to rule until at least 2030. So next year there will be story time again. And if Europe and America cannot reach an agreement, the fairytale uncle in Moscow can happily report on his terrible successes again.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
