What's happened
A new Kremlin calendar features flattering images of Vladimir Putin engaging in activities like judo, mountain walking, and playing piano, accompanied by quotes emphasizing strength and sovereignty. The calendar omits direct references to Ukraine, despite ongoing conflict, and aims to portray Putin as a symbol of stability and masculinity within Russia.
What's behind the headline?
The calendar exemplifies Putin’s strategic use of propaganda to shape his image domestically. The selection of images—ranging from judo to mountain hiking—reinforces traditional masculinity and resilience, key themes in Russian state messaging. The absence of direct references to Ukraine suggests a deliberate effort to sideline the conflict from his personal narrative, instead emphasizing sovereignty and strength. This portrayal aims to sustain public support and project stability, even as the reality involves ongoing military and political turmoil. The quotes, such as 'Russia’s border never ends,' serve to justify territorial ambitions and reinforce nationalistic sentiments. The calendar’s distribution in government and public spaces indicates its role as a tool for state-controlled messaging, consolidating Putin’s image as an unassailable leader. The timing of this release, amid international criticism, underscores Russia’s intent to maintain a resilient national identity and deflect scrutiny of its foreign policy actions.
What the papers say
The Independent, NY Post, and New York Times all highlight the propagandistic nature of Putin’s calendar, emphasizing its focus on masculinity, strength, and sovereignty. The Independent notes the calendar’s subtle references to the Ukraine conflict, while the NY Post criticizes its cringey portrayal of Putin as a powerful figure. The New York Times provides a detailed analysis of how the images and quotes serve to reinforce Putin’s multifaceted persona, deliberately omitting direct links to the ongoing war. All sources agree that the calendar is a carefully crafted piece of state propaganda aimed at bolstering Putin’s image within Russia and abroad, especially in the face of international criticism and sanctions.
How we got here
Since taking power over 26 years ago, Vladimir Putin has maintained a carefully curated image of strength and stability. The release of his annual propaganda calendar aligns with Russia's broader efforts to reinforce his leadership amid ongoing conflicts, notably the war in Ukraine initiated in February 2022. The calendar's imagery and quotes serve to bolster his persona as a resilient, multifaceted leader, despite international criticism and accusations of war crimes.
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What Does Putin's New Calendar Say About His Image?
Vladimir Putin's latest propaganda calendar offers a glimpse into how Russia's leader wants to be perceived both at home and abroad. Featuring images of strength, resilience, and masculinity, the calendar subtly reinforces Putin's image amid ongoing conflicts like the Ukraine war. But what messages is he really sending, and how does this shape global perceptions? Below, we explore the meaning behind Putin's new calendar and what it reveals about his political strategy.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.