Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted that the ongoing war in Ukraine has made Russia “much stronger” and denied the fall of his key ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has hurt Moscow’s global standing. Speaking during a marathon year-end press conference, Putin sought to project confidence at home and abroad.
Still, Ukraine continued to resist him, and Putin boasted about the advancement of Russian forces, saying that they seized ground daily along the front. He repeated that Russia’s plans concerning Ukraine had not changed and maintained his adamant declaration that he would not withdraw from Crimea and the four Ukrainian regions Russia claimed in 2022.
Putin also showed willingness to meet with former US President Donald Trump to discuss peace proposals but insisted on his tough stance, such as Ukraine giving up its plans to join NATO and attaining a neutral status. He rejected ceasefire proposals, instead demanding a deal that would provide “long-term guarantees.”
While proposing a “missile duel” with the United States to demonstrate Russia’s new hypersonic missile capabilities, Putin’s comments were welcomed with scepticism by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who emphasized NATO’s importance for Ukraine as its “true guarantee” for security.
The Russian leader also responded to questions about Syria, where Moscow’s influence has been challenged with the fall of Assad’s regime. Putin dismissed any claims of defeat, asserting that Russia had achieved its primary objectives in the region since its intervention in 2015.
Addressing domestic concerns, Putin admitted inflation in Russia but underplayed its impact, noting that wages and disposable incomes were rising. He reflected on his leadership, admitting the war had made him “less inclined to joke” and that he would have started the invasion earlier if he knew then what he does now.
Even as several Russian polls indicate that there’s growing discontent with the war, Putin remains steadfast in declaring the conflict a tool in securing Russia’s future.
