In his, two hour, record long, yearly state of the nation-speech Putin fixed his sight on the presidential ‘election’ [coronation] expected in a few weeks. The war against Ukraine, ‘Nazis’ and bashing the West is the guiding ideology. As seasoned KGB-operative, Putin boasted self-confidence sugar-coating the military situation and its losses. Demands for everybody to contribute and rally behind the militarised society is the oratorical chapeau on the increased physical repression. As usual, he promised money for everybody and the crowd obeyed the traditional of applause; 116 times according to the puppet opposition. When Wladimir Putin says : « Our Motherland is defending its sovereignty and security, defending the lives of our compatriots in Donbass and Novorossiya », he means : «We invaded the neighbour Ukraine, but I call it defence. ‘Novorossiya’ is my colonial word for southern parts of Ukraine ».
By EUvsDisinfo | March 01, 2024 —
Here a quick guide to decipher Putin
| He said | What he really means |
| “[O]ur Motherland is defending its sovereignty and security, defending the lives of our compatriots in Donbass and Novorossiya” | We invaded the neighbour Ukraine, but I call it defence. ‘Novorossiya’ is my colonial word for southern parts of Ukraine. |
| “[T]he special military operation was supported by the absolute majority of Russians” | I command you to support or shut up. Or go to jail. |
| “Russian business has sent billions of roubles to volunteer organizations and charitable foundations that support our fighters and their families” | In a mafia-style, I ordered them to pay because our state coffers can’t cover it alone. |
| “Russia’s political system stands as one of the pillars of our country’s sovereignty” | I’m the Czar. Understood! |
| “[D]efense and strengthening of sovereignty is carried out in all directions” | I have militarised the society and you should obey instructions like soldiers |
| “Our Armed Forces have acquired a lot of experience, mastering the latest tactics and methods of war” | We are back to old-school massive indiscriminate bombardments. We lost 10 airplanes over a week but that’s life. |
| “We did not start the war in Donbass, but … we will do everything to put an end to it, eradicate Nazism and fulfil all the objectives of the special military operation” | Of course we started the war, just like we annexed Crimea. I don’t care about losses. I own you. |
| “The strategic nuclear forces are on full combat alert and the ability to use them is assured” | As usual, I mention the nukes to scare and induce defeatism in the West. But I go a bit softer in this speech. |
| “Russia is ready for dialogue with the United States on issues of strategic stability. However…,” | I want to be taken seriously by Washington. Getting a bit desperate here. |
| “Russia has long-standing and positive relations with Arab states. [..]The same vision will guide our relations with Latin America” | We try to work up anti-Americanism and anti-Westernism where possible |
| “We must ensure sustainable growth in the birth rate within the next six years” | Life is tough but I need to replenish the army |
| “Russia is Europe’s largest economy in terms of gross domestic product and purchasing power parity” | I know serious economists have proven me wrong(opens in a new tab), but it sounds good. |
| “Russian businesses must invest their resources in Russia” | You may want to invest abroad, but you must come home. Or lose your company. |
For more quick guides to understanding Putin see Vol.1, Vol.2, Vol.3, Vol.4 and Vol.5.
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