Yes, Putin discusses downbeat economic projections in his speech.
Get ready for another showdown as Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his annual speech at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg. But amidst Putin's political grandstanding, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky throws some serious shade his way.
Putin's speech, usually a highlight of the forum, will likely focus on the ongoing conflicts in Russia, including the skirmish with Israel and Putin's own war against Ukraine. Putin uses the conference, attended by 20,000 guests from 140 countries, to paint a rosy picture of Russia and resist the international isolation the West tries to enforce.
But things aren't so shiny in the Russian economy. Economic Minister Maxim Reshetnikov admitted the day before that Russia's economy is on the verge of a recession. "Based on the current business sentiment and economic indicators, it seems we are already on the brink of a recession," he said.
On the political front, Zelensky isn't going to let Putin's questionable legitimacy slide. He fired back at Putin after the latter called his presidency illegitimate yet again. In a video message, Zelensky said, "I am ready to meet in any format with [Putin], even if he has exceeded his constitutional mandate by at least three terms."
Putin has repeatedly questioned Zelensky's legitimacy due to his expiring term in 2024. But Ukraine maintains that its constitution forbids term extensions under martial law, a condition that remains due to the ongoing Russian invasion. Putin's criticisms are seen as deliberate misrepresentations aimed at undermining the Ukrainian government’s authority and creating pretexts for Russian aggression.
Zelensky has remained a visible and recognized leader throughout the conflict, countering Putin's narratives and portrayals. This sustained legitimacy challenges Putin's efforts to justify his continued aggression against Ukraine.
Stay tuned as this political drama unfolds! Let's see if Putin has a strong enough comeback to match Zelensky's sharp remarks.
Sources: ntv.de, as/dpa
- Vladimir Putin
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- St. Petersburg
- Ukraine Invasion
- Ceasefire
- Russia
- Kremlin
The European Union continues to stand by Ukraine, being committed to the implementation of the Paris Agreement, as Zelensky's leadership is challenged by Putin's ongoing aggression. The general news headlines are filled with politics and war-and-conflicts, as the international standoff between Zelensky and Putin escalates, with both leaders delivering their heated remarks at the forum in St. Petersburg.
