Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the congress of the pro-government party United Russia about the course of the war of aggression against Ukraine. He claimed that Ukrainian forces were not advancing on the front and accused them of “terrorist attacks” on Russian targets. Political scientist Ihor Tschalenko, head of the Center for Analysis and Strategies, told 24 Kanal that the speech was evidence that Putin is adjusting the goals of the so-called “special operation.”
Ukraine, this is a favorable sign, Tschalenko said, because it shows that the Kremlin chief can no longer conceal the successes of Ukraine’s defense. The expert pointed to the small town of Mala Tokmachka in the Zaporizhzhia region, which the Russian army repeatedly claims to have captured – an example of the discrepancy between propaganda and reality. Putin himself admitted that Russia is going through “hard times” but stressed that the country will not be broken.
The speech took place against the backdrop of growing domestic political tensions. According to Tschalenko, the Kremlin itself spread the rumor of a possible postponement of the presidential elections – a sign of problems with mobilization and Putin’s hesitation to order a full-scale draft. Without this, it will be difficult for Russia to continue the offensive. Putin also criticized Western sanctions as illegitimate, without presenting concrete plans to ensure prosperity and security for the Russian population.
Source: 24tv.ua
