Across the four hours of a marathon end-of-year press conference, Vladimir Putin offered a familiar mix of threats and jibes against Western nations as he tried to paint a rosy picture of Russian life. However, he was confronted by criticism from ordinary Russians when text messages were beamed in front of him in an apparent gaffe.
Having cancelled the usual annual event last year, this was the first held since the Russian president launched his war almost two years ago. Mr Putin said “There will only be peace in Ukraine when we achieve our aims” – essentially forcing Kyiv into submission. It is a threat that Russia has repeated while Ukraine’s forces have put up a stout defence of their territory.
With Mr Putin having recently announced he is running for the presidency again in March 2024, he had to be seen to be backing his war machine, although even he let slip that any Russian gains in Ukraine were “modest”; Kremlin-speak for the fact that there has been little movement on the frontlines in recent months.
The heavily stage-managed news conference was watched by millions across Russia. Ordinary citizens submitted questions alongside those from journalists, and Russian media said at least 2 million were sent in advance, with some being shown on a screen at the venue, even if they weren’t answered by Mr Putin. That led to some awkward messages for the president.
Denne historien er fra December 15, 2023-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 15, 2023-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Drunk, dissatisfied but full of depth: the man who tore down the highway to hell
Before he died aged 33 in 1980, Bon Scott left an indelible mark on AC/DC. On the 50th anniversary of his induction into the hard rock band, Mark Beaumont remembers a musician who became an icon of rock’n’roll anti-conformity
A fitness routine with real benefits eight hours later
Wellness expert Nicola Elliott looks at one thing we can all do that will make our nine-to-five feel happier and healthier
Australia beat the rain and England to win tight series
Ben Duckett’s century was overshadowed by England’s batting collapse in Bristol before the forecast rain arrived too late to spare them from an ODI series defeat to Australia.
Tension between City and Arsenal reaches a new level
Mikel Arteta tried to cool the rivalry after Pep Guardiola’s comments but more flashpoints in the title race look likely
Spurs outclass sorry United in Postecoglou's finest hour
Ten Hag’s tenure in tatters after another heavy home defeat
Russia says it shot down 125 Ukrainian drones in a night
More than 100 Ukrainian drones have been shot down over Russia, sparking a wildfire and setting an apartment block alight in one of the largest barrages seen over the country’s skies since the start of the war in February 2022.
Vance-Walz debate may be a turning point in US election
Poll shows 75 per cent of Americans plan to watch the event
Far-right Freedom Party on course for victory in Austria
The far-right Freedom Party had a lead over the governing conservatives in Austria’s national election yesterday and was well-placed for its first win in a parliamentary vote, a projection showed. But its chances of governing were unclear.
Israel 'wiped out' Hezbollah leadership in bombing raids
It is claimed that 20 members of militant group died in strike that killed leader Hassan Nasrallah, as Lebanon says a fifth of its population have been forced to flee
A look inside the safe house The Independent will build
With help from generous readers, our campaign will fund a refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence
