Putin Reflects on Ukraine Invasion and Broader Russian Strategy in TV Marathon
Russian President Vladimir Putin has openly stated that Russia should have launched its military campaign in Ukraine earlier, suggesting that greater preparation for the 2022 invasion could have changed the course of events. These comments came during his annual televised marathon, “Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin,” broadcast live across Russia on Thursday.
Putin referred to the invasion—labeled a “special military operation” by the Kremlin—as a move that required “systemic preparation.” Reflecting on the timeline, he remarked that waiting eight years after Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea may not have been the optimal strategy. During his lengthy address, he also touched on other major topics, including Syria, nuclear policy, and domestic economic concerns.
A Controlled Forum
Set against a large blue screen featuring a map of Russia with annexed Ukrainian territories prominently displayed, Putin fielded questions from a carefully selected audience, including Russian citizens and foreign journalists. However, the tightly choreographed event left little room for unscripted surprises.
Responding to a query from the BBC’s Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg, Putin asserted that his leadership had restored Russia’s “sovereignty” following what he described as the turmoil of the Yeltsin era. “Before, Russia was on the brink of losing its sovereignty completely,” he declared.
Global and Domestic Issues
Putin addressed the downfall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose government had long been propped up by Russian military support. Despite Assad’s recent ousting, Putin maintained that the situation in Syria remained “complicated” rather than a defeat for Moscow. He confirmed ongoing negotiations with Syria’s new leadership to retain key military bases along the Mediterranean.
On relations with the United States, Putin deflected suggestions of weakness compared to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, quoting Mark Twain: “The rumors of my death are much exaggerated.” Meanwhile, he praised Russia’s growing partnership with China, calling it a historic high point in bilateral relations.
Ukraine War Takes Center Stage
Unsurprisingly, much of the event revolved around the conflict in Ukraine. Putin painted a rosy picture of Russian advances, describing his troops as “heroes” making progress daily. He showcased a flag gifted by marines fighting in Ukraine’s Kursk region, underscoring his narrative of patriotism and sacrifice.
Putin also boasted about infrastructure improvements in the Luhansk region, seized by Russian-backed forces in 2014, claiming that road conditions had markedly improved under Russian control.
Nuclear Doctrine and Military Power
The Russian president spotlighted recent changes to the country’s nuclear policy, emphasizing that Moscow reserves the right to launch nuclear strikes against any country posing a critical threat to Russian sovereignty—even without nuclear involvement. He pointed to the deployment of Russia’s new intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, which was recently tested in Ukraine. With a smirk, he admitted ignorance about the missile’s name, quipping, “No idea. No clue.”
Economic and Social Challenges
Domestically, Putin sought to portray Russia’s economy as stable despite inflation rates reaching 9.1% and a heavy reliance on military production. He argued that reduced dependency on foreign partnerships—driven by Western sanctions—had strengthened Russian sovereignty. Nevertheless, he acknowledged persistent issues such as rising living costs, scams, and housing struggles among young Russians.
An Eye on Sovereignty
Throughout his remarks, Putin repeatedly returned to the theme of Russian sovereignty, framing the country’s isolation and self-reliance as a source of strength. While painting an optimistic picture of Russia’s current state, he remained unapologetic about the decisions that led to war and the subsequent geopolitical fallout.
The event, lasting over four hours, offered a glimpse into Putin’s mindset as he navigates increasing domestic and international pressure. For now, his focus remains clear: projecting strength, defending his decisions, and reinforcing his vision of Russia as a resurgent power on the global stage.
