Putin's State of the Nation address

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 29 Feb 2024 by Alex Teddy

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On February 29 the president delivered his annual oration to Russian legislators. He sounded truculent and upbeat. The speech praised Russian soldiers' valor and assured people of victory in Ukraine. President Putin assured his hearers that Russia is beating sanctions. The speech focused on social welfare schemes and highlighted economic growth. The government has programs to build satellites, increase high speed internet, even plans for big data startups and AI. Putin vowed not to let anyone meddle in Russia's domestic affairs. He said that Western countries had started an arms race and he reminded the world that Russia's nuclear weapons are ready at a moment's notice. He warned other countries not to send troops to Russia. The President of France said on February 27 that his country might deploy troops to Ukraine—he did not mention Russia. But Putin regards 5 Ukrainian regions as Russian. Putin set targets for manufacturing. High tech goods are to grow by 150% by 2030. This is an unrealistic target. He also spoke of increasing the production of cars, medicines and consumer goods. Putin asked companies not to move their assets abroad. He said inspections will be reduced and SMEs will be forgiven for tax evasion. Clearly he is worried about asset flight.