1 of 1 Russian President Vladimir Putin during his annual address to the population on December 14, 2023 — Photo: Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP Russian President Vladimir Putin during his annual address to the population on December 14, 2023 — Photo: Alexander Zemlianichenko/ AP
President Vladimir Putin said this Thursday (14) that a total of 617,000 Russian soldiers are currently fighting in Ukraine, of which 244,000 were called up during the conflict.
In his speech to the press at the end of the year, he ruled out the need for another wave of mobilization like in September 2022.
“There is no need as 1,500 men are recruited into the Russian army every day,” he said.
Putin also said that his goals in Ukraine (Denazification, demilitarization and a neutral status) remain the same and that there will be no peace until they are achieved.
“Denazification” refers to Russia’s claims that the Ukrainian government is heavily influenced by radical nationalist and neoNazi groups.
Putin also called for Ukraine to remain neutral and did not join the NATO alliance.
In this edition of the speech, citizens and journalists were able to ask questions of the Russian President by telephone.
Putin's appearance is aimed primarily at a domestic audience and will be an opportunity for him to personally solve the problems of ordinary Russian citizens and consolidate his power ahead of the March 17 elections.
The Russian president, who has been in power for almost 24 years, recently announced that he would run for reelection.
“For most people, this is their only hope and opportunity to solve the most important problems,” said a state television report on the Russia 1 channel.