Putin acknowledged the need for “systemic preparation” ahead of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which he continues to call a “special military operation.”
Despite Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the long-running conflict in Eastern Ukraine, it was not until February 2022 that Putin attempted to seize Kyiv in a full-scale war.
The Russian President made these remarks at a four-hour presser called “Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin,” which aired live across state TV channels, reported the BBC.
Putin, appearing before a large blue screen displaying the Russian Federation’s map, including annexed Ukrainian territories, took questions from a carefully selected audience, including journalists, pensioners, and members of the public.
The press conference was reported to be highly controlled, with many questions pre-approved.When asked whether Russia was in a better state than it was under Boris Yeltsin 25 years ago, Putin pointed to Moscow’s “sovereignty” as a key achievement. He claimed that the country had been heading toward a “complete, total loss” of sovereignty before his leadership.
‘Syrian regime’s fall not Russia’s loss’
On the subject of Syria, where Russia has been a staunch ally of President Bashar al-Assad, Putin maintained that the regime’s fall was not a loss for Russia.
He did, however, acknowledge the “complicated” nature of the situation.
Regarding the ousting of Assad, Putin revealed that he had not yet spoken to the deposed leader, who fled to Moscow earlier this month as rebel forces closed in.
Putin revealed that Moscow was in talks with Syria’s new leadership to maintain control over two vital military bases along the Mediterranean coast, suggesting they could be used for humanitarian purposes.
‘Willing to meet Trump if he wants it’
Addressing foreign relations, Putin spoke about his strained relationship with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, noting that the two had not spoken in four years.
However, he expressed willingness to meet with Trump “if he wants it.”
Responding to suggestions that he was in a weaker position than the incoming U.S. president, Putin jokingly quoted American writer Mark Twain: “The rumors of my death are much exaggerated.”
Relations with China, according to Putin, have reached an unprecedented level, with the two countries coordinating more closely than ever before. “In the last decade, the level and quality of our relations have reached a point that has never existed throughout our entire history,” he said.
‘Open to compromises with Ukraine’
The focus of the conference remained on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Putin stated that he was “open to compromises” to end the conflict, though he did not clarify what such compromises might look like.
He hailed Russian forces for their continued progress on the frontlines, calling them “heroes.” He also displayed a signed flag from Russian marines in the Kursk region, claiming they were “fighting for the motherland.”
Putin also highlighted Russia’s infrastructure projects in the territories it has seized from Ukraine, citing the improvements in the roads of Luhansk, a region taken by Russia-backed forces in 2014.
When asked about Russia’s newly revised nuclear doctrine, which was enacted in November, Putin remained evasive on whether the West had understood the message.
The updated doctrine allows for a nuclear response against any nation supporting an adversary, including in scenarios where Ukraine launches a large-scale attack using conventional missiles, drones, or aircraft.
He also talked about Russia’s new intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, which was used in a November strike on Ukraine.
Notably, Putin denied knowing the name of ‘the Oreshnik’ during his address.
