Putin’s annual show: an unconvincing defence of Russia’s war and economy

The report critiques Putin's lengthy televised Q&A, arguing he presented an evasive and misleading narrative about the progress of the war in Ukraine, media freedom, and the state of the Russian economy; it highlights Kremlin disinformation, propaganda efforts (including whitewashing of occupied areas), suppression of independent journalism, questionable economic statistics, and allegations of war crimes and human rights abuses, contrasting official claims with on-the-ground realities.