What are the important signals released by Putin’s annual press conference for the first time in two years？
BEIJING, Dec. 14 (Reuters)-On the 14th, local time, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual large-scale press conference and "live connection" activities were held in Moscow.
This is the first time that Putin has held an annual large-scale press conference since the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis. The Russian President answered 67 questions in 4 hours and 4 minutes. What topics did this "year-end question and answer" focus on?
Image source: Russian Channel 1 video screenshot
On the domestic situation in Russia: economic recovery has taken a big step forward.
Putin said that Russia’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to increase by 3.5% in 2023. The unemployment rate is nearly 3%, the inflation rate may reach 7.5%-8% by the end of the year, and the real wages of residents are expected to increase by 8%.
Putin believes that the Russian economy is recovering and has "taken a big step forward". He pointed out that the profits of Russian enterprises have reached more than 24%, investment has increased, the banking system has also shown stability, and Russia’s national debt has decreased.
What are the "most important tasks" that Putin faces? He just announced that he will participate in the 2024 presidential election a few days ago. He said that without sovereignty, Russia cannot exist, so consolidating sovereignty is the most important issue.
He also said that "this is a very broad concept", which means safeguarding national security, ensuring citizens’ rights and freedoms, and ensuring security and sovereignty in the fields of economy and technology.
In addition, Putin also mentioned that by the end of 2023, the average life expectancy of Russians will reach 74 years. Two years ago, this figure was still 70.06 years old.
Talking about the situation in Russia and Ukraine: Will Russia carry out the second wave?
When talking about the situation in Russia and Ukraine, Putin specifically pointed out that the goal of Russia’s special military operations will not change. "We are talking about the de-Nazism, demilitarization and neutrality of Ukraine."
Putin further pointed out that Ukraine accepts "free gifts" from the West, but this will not last long. He also mentioned that since Ukraine began its "counterattack", the Russian army has destroyed 747 tanks and more than 2,300 armored vehicles.
Putin also talked about the issue of widespread concern: will there be a second round of mobilization in Russia? In this regard, he said that there is no need for a new round of mobilization. Russia recruited 300,000 people during the first local mobilization. These people performed well, and 14 of them became Russian heroes. He said that there are currently 244,000 mobilized personnel located in special military operations areas.
Putin said that more than 486,000 people in Russia have signed service contracts with the Russian armed forces, and the number of men willing to take up arms to defend the interests of the motherland has not decreased. Every day, 1,500 people become volunteers.
Talking about the situation between Palestine and Israel: The situation in Gaza is a disaster.
Putin pointed out that what is happening in Gaza is a disaster. He called for large-scale humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and said that Russia would provide more equipment and medical supplies to the region.
He also said that the Russian plan to open a hospital in the Gaza was supported by the Egyptian side, but the Israeli side has not yet agreed. He said that he is currently in contact with all countries in the region on the Palestinian-Israeli situation.
Putin believes that it is necessary to lay the foundation for Palestinian-Israeli reconciliation, and it is very important to implement the United Nations decision on the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Talking about the west: ready to improve relations with the United States, but not yet qualified
Putin said that Russia is ready to improve and develop relations with the United States, but the conditions are not yet available. He said that he believes that the United States is a very important and necessary country, but it is interfered by its own "imperialist policy."
Putin believes that the United States must begin to respect other countries and seek compromise instead of imposing sanctions before it can begin to improve relations.
Putin also said that the normalization of relations with Europe "does not depend on Russia". Russia has not destroyed relations with Europe, but Europe has neglected Russia’s interests. He said that EU countries have seriously lost their independence and are making decisions that harm their own interests. He believes that the leaders of Hungary and Czechoslovakia are "not pro-Russian politicians" and they are "just defending national interests".
Putin also said that Moscow has been hoping to develop relations with Ukraine for decades, but the United States created troubles in Ukraine because the United States and the European Union destroyed their relations with Russia.
Putin said that there is no so-called "rule-based world order". Putin said that these "rules" are changing every day.
On Russian-Chinese cooperation: reaching an unprecedented high level
Putin said that Russia-China cooperation has reached an unprecedented high level. He also said that Russia-China relations are non-aligned and not aimed at third countries.
He pointed out that Russia-China cooperation in infrastructure, high technology and other fields has been developing continuously. "The diversity of our relations is gratifying."
When talking about economic and trade ties, Putin said that the leaders of Russia and China had previously set a goal of increasing the bilateral trade volume to 200 billion US dollars by 2024, and this goal will be realized in 2023. Putin expressed the hope that the trade volume between the two countries will continue to grow in 2024.
Putin also pointed out that Russia-China relations are "one of the important guarantees for world stability." When talking about the cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the BRICS countries, Putin said that in 2024, Russia will be the BRICS president country and hold a meeting of BRICS leaders in Kazan. He said that Russia will be committed to establishing a fair world order, and the BRICS Summit will "reflect the interests of all countries".