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Welcome back to Political Misfits on Radio Sputnik, where we bring you news, politics and culture - without the red and blue treatment. I’m John Kiriakou here with Michelle Witte.
Mark Sleboda is an international affairs and security analyst.
The Russian president today took part in a four hour news conference and call-in session, both annual traditions that were this year combined. Last year the events were paused, but this year they’re back on track. He talked about the Russian economy, he talked about Russia’s relationship with China, he talked about the state of the war in Ukraine and Russia’s goals there, he talked about the war in Gaza, he kind of talked about Ukrainian shelling in Russia, and he ended by saying he’d tell his younger self not to trust “so called partners” so much.
Full Video of Q&A Marathon (with English dubbing)
https://www.youtube.com/live/Uyt6vuSVcj0?si=gpfECIpwKTC4gvyF
Putin speaks: the Russian president’s most important annual event — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union
Putin to answer the nation’s questions at marathon event on Thursday — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union
What is Putin’s traditional Q&A marathon? — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union
This was a four-hour event, so we can’t cover all of it. Let’s start with Ukraine - Putin said Russia’s goals in Ukraine haven’t changed, and peace will be possible when those goals are achieved. Have those goals remained the same over the past nearly two years? And for something like “de-nazification” - what’s the benchmark for that?
Putin: There Will be Peace When Russia Achieves Military Op's Goals (sputnikglobe.com)
Putin pointed out that Western support for Ukraine seems to be drying up. What is that going to mean for Russia?
Putin said there will be no new mobilization wave in Russia to supply troops for the war effort, as nearly half a million people have voluntarily signed up. Is this going to change after the election in March, or is Russia really not struggling with manpower in Ukraine?
Putin reveals number of troops in Ukraine conflict zone — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union
He talked about the Russian economy, and we spoke the other day about sanctions really failing to block Russia from continuing to import critical dual-use technology. But for regular Russians - how does life feel, economically? When the Russian government says it has adapted and is not afraid of sanctions, do the Russian people share that view?
Russian GDP growth to hit 3.5% – Putin — RT Business News
West ‘shooting itself in the foot’ with sanctions – Putin — RT Business News
As I mentioned, Putin touched on the Gaza war, he touched on his relationship with China - anything significant in his statements on Russia’s foreign relations?
Also - so Vladimir Putin is running for office. Is anyone else? What should we know about these rivals?
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