In a campaign rally held in the city of Tula, south of Moscow, President Vladimir Putin spoke to arms industries workers about Moscow's military actions in Ukraine. Putin described these actions as a battle for Russia's survival, emphasizing the importance of protecting Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine and safeguarding Moscow's vital security interests.
Asserting that the overwhelming majority of Russians support his course of action, Putin claimed that the public's sentiment is a driving force behind his decisions. 'If the public hadn't felt that way, nothing would have happened,' he stated. 'We are doing what people expect us to do.'
The Russian President further argued that the deployment of troops in Ukraine was necessary in order to prevent encroachment by Washington and its NATO allies. However, Ukraine and its Western allies have condemned Russia's actions as an unprovoked act of aggression.
Putin contended that without the protection of Russian citizens, Russia would have become a weak nation lacking self-sufficiency, disregarded by others. He cautioned against Western expectations of Russia collapsing under the weight of imposed sanctions, pointing out that the Russian economy has actually grown while military industries have experienced a sharp increase in output.
Currently, Putin is campaigning for reelection in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for March 15-17. Despite running as an independent candidate, his victory seems almost certain, given his firm control over Russia's political landscape after 24 years in power.
However, critics argue that opposition figures who could potentially challenge Putin are either imprisoned or living outside the country. Moreover, most independent media outlets have been banned, creating an environment conducive to the President's success. His opponents, therefore, consist mainly of representatives from Kremlin-friendly parties, who pose token challenges.
Through constitutional reform, Putin is eligible to serve two more terms, extending his reign until 2036. In doing so, he would surpass the record of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, who ruled until his death in 1953, making Putin the longest-serving Kremlin leader.
As Russia prepares for the upcoming elections, Putin's campaign rhetoric highlights the Russian President's commitment to protecting national interests and the belief that his actions in Ukraine are essential for the survival and well-being of the Russian people. Whether or not this resonates with the electorate remains to be seen, but with limited opposition and control over the media, Putin's reelection seems to be all but assured.
