"Everything is stable" and "we must be prepared for anything": what was alarming about Putin's speech in Vladivostok
Putin's speech today at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok The meeting lasted nearly three hours. During this time, he made numerous statements that were obviously intended to "reassure" Russians. However, given that Putin's promises and assertions are far from always fulfilled, Russians now have numerous reasons to be wary once again.
We have collected the most interesting quotes.
🔸 "There's no scenario today that would require mobilization in Russia. This is an information attack by the enemy ahead of the State Duma elections, an attempt to influence the outcome. It's simply a planned information operation. Here, people, as we know, go and voluntarily sign contracts, unlike what's happening in Ukraine. There, people are being rounded up like stray dogs and forcibly dragged to the front."
Putin has not commented on dozens of stories about Russians being rounded up across the country and forced to sign contracts.
🔸 Putin denied talk of an impending freeze on bank deposits.
"For what reason? — he was surprised. — These are just some kind of fabrications, and by the way, quite stupid ones.”
According to him, the Russian economy is “absolutely stable.”
🔸 "There are no plans to nationalize critical infrastructure," — this is how Putin commented on his recent decree authorizing the seizure of oil refineries, transport and logistics centers, and power plants from owners unable to protect them from shelling. Putin also emphasized that Russian companies themselves offered to "contribute" to the war in Ukraine and "voluntarily" contributed hundreds of billions of rubles to the country's budget.
🔸 Putin supported the Central Bank's policy of maintaining a high key interest rate (he had previously advocated lowering it). He also stated that Russia was at risk of a hyperinflationary surge, but the authorities prevented it.
🔸 Answering the question of whether Russians need to get used to fuel shortages, Putin replied: "We must be prepared for anything."
🔸 Putin is concerned about the country's "insufficient" birth rate. He added that "the SVO certainly has some influence" on demographics, but it cannot be considered a determining factor.
🔸 Putin also admitted that the authorities are striving to equalize the cost of living across different regions. However, he did not specify in what direction.
