Putin Uses Lengthy Year-End Address to Defend Record and Lash Out at Critics

At his annual year-end press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a sweeping and often combative review of the past year, using the marathon session to defend his leadership while expressing visible frustration over mounting domestic and international challenges.

Speaking for hours before journalists, officials, and carefully selected members of the public, Putin framed Russia as a nation under constant pressure from the outside, blaming Western governments for economic strain, diplomatic isolation, and the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. He portrayed Russia’s difficulties as the price of sovereignty, insisting the country had shown resilience despite sanctions and international condemnation.

Putin repeatedly returned to the war in Ukraine, arguing that Russia had been left with no alternative but to act. He dismissed criticism of military setbacks and casualties, instead highlighting what he described as strategic gains and the endurance of Russian forces. At several points, his tone sharpened as he accused Western leaders of hypocrisy and of fueling instability for their own interests.

On the domestic front, Putin acknowledged economic pressures facing ordinary Russians, including rising prices and uneven growth. However, he struck an optimistic note, pointing to state spending, industrial output, and defense-sector expansion as signs the economy was adapting. He rejected suggestions that sanctions had crippled Russia, claiming they had instead forced the country to become more self-reliant.

The president also addressed questions about political freedoms and dissent, brushing aside concerns over the treatment of opposition figures and independent media. He argued that Russia needed unity and discipline during what he described as a historic confrontation, signaling little tolerance for internal criticism.

Despite attempts to project confidence, the conference revealed a leader increasingly preoccupied with defending past decisions. Putin frequently revisited grievances, revising events to emphasize betrayal by foreign partners and missed opportunities for compromise that he said were ignored by the West.

As the event drew to a close, Putin sought to reassure Russians that stability would prevail and that the country’s long-term direction remained unchanged. Yet the overall tone of the address suggested a leader looking back with anger rather than satisfaction, determined to justify his course as Russia heads into another uncertain year.

Author: M.J