RBC reported that President Vladimir Putin was expected to make an appearance, and RIA Novosti reported that a parliamentary source stated that Putin would speak at the rally.[9][10]Ukrainska Pravda added that historical exhibits and Russian military equipment would also be on display.[8]Argumenty i Fakty reported that around 200,000 people were expected to attend.[6]Radio Liberty stated that people were being offered 500 RUB to attend a rally in Moscow, and presumed that the offer was for this rally.[11][a]The Moscow Times stated that it had been reported that employees and students of Moscow Polytechnic University
were ordered to attend and, if possible, to bring friends and family.[13]
The Russian constitution requires the president to address the Federal Assembly annually.[4] At the time the rally was scheduled, the last address Putin had delivered to the Federal Assembly was on 21 April 2021.[14][4][b] Putin is scheduled to address the assembly at Gostiny Dvor on 21 February 2023, the day before the rally.[16][9][11] RBC reported that the rally can be interpreted as an extension to the address.[2][4][9]
^TASS reported that Putin stated that there was no address in 2022 "because the situation was unfolding very quickly and it was difficult 'to fix the results at a specific point, as well as specific plans for the near future.'"[15]
