State media speculate about date of Putin’s anticipated annual address to Russia’s legislature

The address delivered annually by Russia’s president before the parliament may take place in late February, report both TASS and Ria Novosti, citing sources in the State Duma.

A TASS source claims that Putin might make his speech on February 20 or 21. Ria Novosti cites another insider, who specifically denies that the address might happen on February 24, the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The independent investigative journalist Farida Rustamova reports that the text of the president’s address is being actively drafted and revised. Rustamova credits this information to officials involved in the preparations.

“The exact date is still unknown. One of our sources made a grim joke that he wouldn’t be surprised if the address were delivered on February 24,” Rustamova writes.

The Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov was once again evasive in answering questions about the exact details of what is in the works. When asked whether Vladimir Putin might address the government on February 24, Peskov replied: “As to the dates of the president’s address, we’ll inform you in a timely manner.”

Russia’s constitution requires the president to address the Federal Assembly every year. Putin’s last address to the legislature took place in April 2021. Last December, it emerged that his next address to the parliament was being postponed until 2023.