"Inside Putin's Reality: A Four-Hour Q&A Unveils the Russian President's Perspective"

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a four-hour press conference and phone-in Q&A session, heavily stage-managed to project an image of control and confidence. Putin addressed topics such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, portraying it as a necessary operation against ultra-nationalists. He dismissed the need for mobilization, citing the increasing number of volunteer fighters. Putin boasted about Russia's economy, attributing its apparent resurgence to military spending. He blamed the West for international tensions and accused NATO of overstepping its goals. Putin emphasized the importance of sovereignty for Russia's existence and linked rising Islamophobia and antisemitism to Russophobia. With control over the media and education system, Putin aims to maintain high approval ratings and ensure a Kremlin-sanctioned view of history.