Annual State of the Nation. Presidential Address to Russian Federal Assembly, February 2019

Summary:

Annual State of the Nation address delivered by Russia's President to the country's Federal Assembly.

Further information:

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the Federal Assembly on 20 February 2019 for the annual State of the National speech. The presentation was attended by Federation Council members, State Duma deputies, members of the Government, leaders of the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court, governors.

On this occasion, Mr Putin set out plans to raise people's living standards and boost healthcare and education. The speech largely focused on domestic and economic matters. However, he also addressed the arms race with the United States of America following the withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) agreement.

News

The Guardian, 20/02/2019: Russia may be forced to aim weapons at Washington, suggests Putin https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/20/russia-may-be-forced-to-aim-weapons-at-washington-suggests-putin

Reuters, 20/02/2019: Putin, faced with ratings slump, offers Russians financial sweeteners https://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKKCN1Q925U

RT, 20/02/2019: Putin delivers annual address to Russia’s Federal Assembly [full speech via Youtube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6HM9pKrxqE

TASS, 20/02/2019: Putin calls for easing visa restrictions for tourists http://tass.com/economy/1045631

The Moscow Times, 20/02/2019: The Highlights of Putin’s Federal Assembly Address https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/02/20/the-highlights-of-putins-federal-assembly-address-a64567

France24, 20/02/2019: Putin warns new missiles could target 'decision-making centres' https://www.france24.com/en/20190220-putin-warns-new-missiles-could-target-decision-making-centres

EurActiv, 21/02/2019: Moscow ready to cut time for nuclear strike on US if necessary, says Putin https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/moscow-ready-to-cut-time-for-nuclear-strike-on-us-if-necessary-says-putin/

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Commentary and Analysis

Deutsche Welle, 20/02/2019: Putin's empty promises https://p.dw.com/p/3DkcI

Bloomberg, 20/02/2019: Putin Is Finally Ready to Look Homeward https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2019-02-20/russia-s-vladimir-putin-turns-to-domestic-policy

Euro|topics, February 2019: Putin's promises and threats https://www.eurotopics.net/en/215260/

OSW: Analyses, 20/02/2019: Putin’s welfare address https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2019-02-20/putins-welfare-address

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