The speech from Russian President Vladimir Putin indicates the country under his leadership has no intention of giving up and that he is prepared to continue the war in Ukraine even with heavy losses, said Riga Stradins University (RSU) Ass. Prof. Māris Andžāns.
Andžāns, who is the director of Geopolitical Research Centre, stressed that usually Putin reads his speech alone with the Kremlin in the background. However, this time, there were people wearing uniforms behind him. According to the professor, in his New Year’s speech Putin indirectly said the «special military operation» is a war for Russia and against the collective west, in which Ukraine is being used.
Russia’s president said the year 2022 was a year of «difficult and necessary» decisions, steps were taken to allow Russia to «recover its sovereignty» and unify its society. Andžāns mentioned that what Putin said about Russia’s «recovery» of sovereignty causes questions, because Putin has been the president of Russia since 1999 with a small break between terms.
«What recovery of sovereignty does he mean?! He has been Russia’s president for a long time, but he still has not accomplished this sovereignty?! Listening to Putin’s speech, I don’t think there is room for irony or sarcasm.
This speech should be taken every seriously, since there are people in uniform in the background.
This indicates further militarisation of Russia and that for Putin this war is a serious affair,» said the RSU professor.
He stresses: the speech indicates that the war in Ukraine is presented as a mission for entire Russia. According to the Geopolitical Research Centre’s director, Putin stresses that every Russian resident must be a part of the «special military operation» and no other opinions will be tolerated. This message is further emphasized by the people in uniforms behind the Russian president.
«Occasionally, Russia is not overly appreciated in different countries. We know a lot about Ukraine’s successes, but less so – about Russia’s relative successes. Russia’s economy somehow continue moving forward despite the fact that many western brands have left it,» said RSU associated professor.
He explained that Turkey is involved as a mediator in relations with Russia, Iran supplies arms the country lacks. North Korea may be involved as well. According to Andžāns, it is necessary to pay attention to the seriousness with which Putin speaks of the «special military operation» and the symbolic message, as well as how Russia’s president put an emphasis on «emotions of the country’s residents» in his speech.
Also read: Russians continue attacks as new year begins