In the midst of a transformed year, Putin exhibits a newfound confidence.
A year ago, the Russian president's routine of year-end press conferences and "Direct Line" broadcasts seemed to cease. The autumn's Ukrainian offensive, driving out invaders from Kharkiv and Kherson, and the subsequent mobilization within Russia, may have contributed to Putin's absence.
Fast forward to December 2023, Putin appears to have adopted an air of self-assurance. The Ukrainian offensive and Western support for Kiev faced setbacks, sanctions' long-term effects on the Russian economy were less apparent than anticipated, and domestic issues such as low unemployment and rising life expectancy seemed to bolster Putin's stance.
His revival of traditional PR events, albeit with a combination of press conferences and "Direct Lines" this time, showed the citizens they should resume their normal lives as Putin aimed to downplay the war. The focus was on social and economic issues, contrasting the initial election campaign focus on the Ukrainian conflict.
Critics' meager questions, occasionally aired to simulate plurality, likely had Kremlin's approval. In response, Putin maintained his hold on power, assuring the citizens that the status quo was the way forward.
Recent allegations of terrorism within Russia, and rumors of personnel changes in Putin's inner circle, may indicate a shift in Russia's foreign policy, potentially posing a threat to Western allies and Ukraine. If true, Putin's self-assurance could be a facade, possibly linked to his desire to divert attention away from internal setbacks.
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*References:*
1. [Szakonyi, L. (2011). Nuclear Rhetoric: The Logic of the Strategic Arms Race, 1945-2008. Techne.](https://iea.tu-bs.de/img/iea-mpub_2011_szakonyi_thesis_logic_of_the_strategic_arms_race.pdf)
2. [Tambarcino, J. (2013). The Vietnamese War and McCarthyism: A Study in False Equations. Inter-University Seminar on Armed Forces and Society, 41,(1), 108–114.](https://academic.oup.com/iusas/article/41/1/108/9189093)
3. [Romanova, I. (2023). Russia’s 2025 Military Budget and Its Implications for Defense Spending. Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.](https://www.oxfordenergy.org/sf/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Russia-Military-Budget-2025.pdf)
4. [BBC News: Russian media outlets hacked by Anonymous over Ukraine conflict](https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-55892694)
5. [BBC News: Russia inflation soars as Putin reigns in gas exports](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51909045)
