Vladimir Putin took part in the pre-election congress of the United Russia party, where he delivered an extensive speech on the current state of the country. The head of state called the current period "fateful" for Russia, emphasizing external challenges and internal unity.
The West and "New Methods" of Pressure
During his address to the congress delegates, Putin stated that the West has allegedly admitted the impossibility of defeating Russia by military means. According to him, Western countries have allegedly switched to other methods of influence. He also expressed the opinion that Russia is being "tested" and attempts are being made to "get rid of it" as a global factor that, in his view, "has always stood in the way of evil".
These statements were made against the backdrop of an aggressive military conflict that Russia has been waging against its neighboring state, Ukraine, for the fourth year.
"The Real Elite" and the War
Special attention in Putin's speech was paid to the participants of the hostilities. He called the fighters of the Russian army participating in the war against Ukraine the "real elite" of Russia. This formulation became one of the key accents of his speech.
Facts against the backdrop of rhetoric
It should be recalled that in June, Ukraine carried out a record number of attacks on Russian defense plants. These actions contradict the Kremlin's rhetoric about the "retreat" of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), which is often used in official statements.
2026 — "Year of Unity"
Against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict, Putin declared 2026 the "Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia". This formula, according to experts, is used by the Kremlin to justify the continuation of the war against Ukraine and the consolidation of society around current policies.