Key takeaways:
- Vladimir Putin delivered a state-of-the-nation address in which he attempted to justify his stuttering invasion of Ukraine.
- Joe Biden’s surprise visit to Ukraine has increased pressure on Putin to explain his actions.
- The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on Russia and called for an end to the conflict.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a long-awaited state-of-the-nation address, in which he railed against the West and attempted to justify his stuttering invasion of Ukraine. The address comes just days after US President Joe Biden’s surprise visit to Ukraine, which has caused fury in Russian pro-military and ultranationalist circles.
The visit was seen as a symbolic boost to Ukraine, coming just days before the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country. Putin’s speech was broadcast by all Russian state TV channels, and he used it to justify his invasion by accusing Western countries of threatening Russia.
The visit has upstaged Putin on the eve of his address, and has increased pressure on the Russian leader to explain his actions. Putin has been criticized for failing to deliver a state-of-the-nation address in 2022, as his troops rolled into Ukraine and suffered repeated setbacks.
The Biden administration has been vocal in its support for Ukraine, and has called for an end to the conflict. Biden has also imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine, and has urged other countries to do the same.
The visit has been seen as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine, and a rebuke to Russia’s actions in the region. It remains to be seen how Putin will respond to the visit, and whether it will have any effect on the ongoing conflict.
Be First to Comment