Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to deliver his annual speech to the Federal Assembly days before the first anniversary of his war in Ukraine, amid great anticipation of what the Russian "Tsar" will say in his first annual speech after the outbreak of this war, on February 24 of last year.

The Federal Assembly, including the State Duma and the Federation Council, meets for the occasion near the Kremlin in the center "Jostini Dover".

speech context

Putin's expected speech comes amid a special political and strategic context, characterized by remarkable developments, most notably the visit that US President Joe Biden made yesterday to Ukraine for the first time since he came to power nearly two years ago.

It is remarkable that Putin's speech will be almost simultaneously with another speech expected to be delivered by Biden at the Warsaw Palace today, Tuesday, just 3 days away from the first anniversary of the outbreak of the Russian war in Ukraine.

It also comes after the Munich International Security Conference, which was held two days ago in the presence of a number of world leaders, senior politicians and military personnel from many countries, and the European security scene in light of Russia's war on Ukraine was the focus of his talks.

Putin's speech also comes in light of a state of military impasse facing his forces in Ukraine, in return for a continuous Western rush to support Kiev militarily and securityly and pledges to supply it with more advanced weapons in order to help it tilt the scales in its favor in its war with Russia.

The contents of the speech

Putin's speech is expected to address the war and the current situation in the country, according to the Kremlin, which said it would also comment on the economy and social policy.

The Russian economy is under great pressure, due to Western sanctions imposed in response to the war, leading many Russians to complain about soaring prices, the high cost of living and bleak prospects for the nation.

It will carry Putin's address on Tuesday, the 18th, to the Federal Assembly, an occasion that largely determines the state and prospects of the nation.

Leap forward

In anticipating the contents of the expected speech, Russian media reported that in addition to the "special operation in Ukraine," the president will address many other issues, including "social security for the participants in the special operation, equipping the army, and training fighters."

Russian media said that parliamentarians are waiting for Putin to also talk about "fighting terrorists and saboteurs, modernizing the military-industrial complex and the results of confronting Western sanctions."

They believe that "Putin's expected speech will constitute a strong leap forward and paint a picture of a future that unites people more."

She indicated that Russian politicians believe the head of state "may focus in his speech on the standard of living in the country, and touch on issues of demography, population income, increasing wages, and ensuring reasonable prices for food and medicine."

Putin delivered his last speech to parliament in April 2021 and did not deliver a speech in 2022 because of his focus on what he called "the dynamics of events" and the difficulty of drawing conclusions in light of that.

The world will be watching his speech closely, not only because of the war, but also because Russia is scheduled to hold presidential elections in about a year.

Putin is expected to run for office again in 2024 after more than 20 years in power.

The constitutional changes mean the 70-year-old president could remain head of the Kremlin until 2036.