Speaking from a position of strength, Putin projected an image of a leader in control, guiding a nation that is defying the odds and reshaping the global order On December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual ‘Direct Line’ session, a unique combination of a press conference and a call-in show, that once again showcased his strategic positioning both domestically and internationally. This year, the overarching theme of his address was clear: Russia is speaking from a position of