Russian President Vladimir Putin won’t hold his traditional year-end press conference for the first time in at least a decade as Russian troops continue to lose ground in Ukraine.
“As for the annual news conference, yes, there won’t be one before the New Year,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday, adding that the president was still expected to talk to reporters, also during foreign visits.
No date has yet been set for Putin’s New Year address to the nation, Peskov added.
The annual event has in the past run on for hours, offering Putin the opportunity to display his mastery of policy and his grip on power on live national TV. The event often had a festive atmosphere, with regional journalists holding up signs to catch Putin’s attention. Surprise questions were, however, a rarity.
Putin, who turned 70 in November, is also at the center of intense speculation over his health — and was seen swaying on camera in a public appearance earlier this week. Aides have repeatedly denied that he is unwell.
Russian troops continue to experience setbacks in Ukraine nearly 10 months invading the country. The U.K. Ministry of Defense said today that Ukraine has liberated around 54 percent of the territory captured by Russian forces since February 24.
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