Over a quarter of governors released statements approving the speech Putin delivered on November 21, in which he announced the testing of the ballistic missile Oreshnik and hinted at readiness to use it against Western countries.
We analyzed posts published on the Telegram channels of regional leaders on the evening of November 21 and the morning of November 22. Twenty-two governors issued statements regarding Putin’s speech, voicing support for the Oreshnik missile tests and threats of missile strikes against Western nations on behalf of citizens. Another sixteen governors simply reposted the president’s video address without additional comments, while forty-three made no public reaction.
Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov shared a Telegram circle stating that his region "understands Western aggression better than anyone else."
Kaluga Oblast Governor Vladislav Shapsha described Putin’s speech as a "fair and restrained response to NATO’s reckless aggression." Ulyanovsk Oblast Governor Alexey Russkikh dismissed the "supposedly invincible Western weapons" as nothing more than a "pile of scrap metal."
Maria Kostyuk, the new head of the Jewish Autonomous Oblast, whose son died in the war, declared that "our Homeland will never face defeat."
"Russia is no laughing matter. Today, we are opposed not even by national leaders but by individuals disconnected from their people and traditions," wrote Kalmykia head Batu Khasikov.
Tyumen Oblast Governor Alexander Moor emphasized that Russia has "another serious weapon — the support of its people." Chukotka Governor Vladislav Kuznetsov called his region a "land of patriots."
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov suggested "blanketing rear military facilities in the West with TNT," arguing that "they sit there feeling warm and comfortable."
*Excludes cities of federal importance and territories annexed by Russia in 2014 and 2022.
