President Vladimir Putin proclaimed during his annual press conference that Russia’s military engagement in Ukraine has fortified the nation and dismissed the notion that the departure of close ally Bashar Assad in Syria has diminished Moscow’s standing.
This meticulously orchestrated event, which spanned over four hours, allowed Putin to assert his authority and showcase his extensive knowledge on a variety of topics, ranging from consumer costs to military weaponry.
Putin stated that the decision to send troops into Ukraine in 2022 has enhanced Russia’s military and economic stature. He remarked that if he had a do-over, it would have been wise to tackle the situation sooner to enable Russia to “prepare more thoroughly.”
“In the past couple of years, Russia has grown substantially stronger as it has become a truly sovereign state,” he emphasized. “We are firmly positioned in economic terms, and our defensive and military capabilities are among the strongest globally.”
Having maintained power for nearly 25 years and beginning another six-year term at the start of this year, Putin noted that the military is “making progress in accomplishing our objectives” in what he refers to as the special military operation in Ukraine.
When questioned regarding a recently deployed hypersonic ballistic missile utilized to strike Ukraine, he dismissed claims from Western analysts suggesting that it could be intercepted by NATO air defenses.
With a hint of mockery, he invited Ukraine’s allies to engage in a “high-tech duel,” proposing a scenario where Moscow would provide advance notice of an impending strike on Kyiv, allowing the West to attempt its defense.
“Let them choose a target, perhaps in Kyiv, set up their air defense units, and we shall strike it with the Oreshnik,” he quipped. “We’ll see what happens.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to Putin’s remarks while in Brussels, stating, “Do you think it’s a sane person?”
Discussing recent military developments, Russia has made gradual, albeit slow, strides in Ukraine but has also endured some notable setbacks.
The assassination of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, who was killed by a bomb outside his residence in Moscow—an act claimed by Ukraine—has reignited tensions within the Russian capital. Putin characterized Kirillov’s death as a significant lapse on the part of Russia’s security apparatus, emphasizing the need for improvement in their operational efficacy.
In addition, Moscow’s forces are engaged in combat with Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, which has seen incursions. When asked about expelling Ukrainian forces, Putin stated, “We will certainly drive them out,” though he refrained from specifying a timeline.
At one point during the conference, he invited members of the audience to unveil a banner presented to him by marines involved in the Kursk operations as he discussed Ukraine.
Putin also indicated that he is open to engaging in dialogue with incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed intentions to negotiate a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. “Should we meet, there will be much to discuss,” he said, without elaborating further on the details.
He reiterated Russia’s willingness to consider compromises in potential peace negotiations regarding Ukraine, stating, “Politics is the art of compromise. We have always indicated our readiness for discussions and agreements.” However, he stressed that talks should be grounded in “the factual situation on the ground,” referring to conditions he has previously outlined.
Putin’s demands have included Ukraine abandoning aspirations to join NATO and acknowledging Russia’s territorial advancements, which have been rebuffed by Kyiv and Western nations.
Addressing Assad’s recent loss of power, Putin mentioned that although he has yet to meet with the former Syrian president, from whom he granted asylum, he intends to discuss the case of Austin Tice, an American journalist who went missing in Syria over a decade ago.
“We can also inquire with those who have control over the situation on the ground in Syria,” he noted, responding to a query that referenced a letter from Tice’s mother appealing for assistance.
Moscow is attempting to foster relations with the factions that ousted Assad to safeguard its military presence and extend the leases on its air and naval bases in Syria.
“Staying there implies we need to act in the interests of the host nation,” he commented, adding that they have proposed using the Hemeimeen air base and the naval facility in Tartus for humanitarian support initiatives.
However, the extent of Russia’s influence in Syria remains ambiguous following the significant blow dealt to its position after years of military backing for Assad amidst the nation’s civil unrest.
Nevertheless, Putin dismissed claims that these events have tarnished Moscow’s reputation, insisting that the goal of dismantling “terrorist” factions in Syria through air campaigns starting in 2015 has been fulfilled. He asserted that the nature of rebel groups opposing Assad has evolved and that the West is now willing to engage with them.
“This indicates that our objectives have been successfully met,” he asserted.
He labeled Israel as the “main beneficiary” of Assad’s fall, referencing Israeli military presence in southern Syria and expressing hope for their eventual retreat.
Additionally, he noted the lack of resistance from the Syrian army against the rebel onslaught and mentioned the relocation of 4,000 Iranian troops from Hemeimeem back to Tehran.
When asked to comment on President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter, in light of his pending legal issues, Putin refrained from criticism.
“Biden is a politician, and the balance of political versus human considerations is essential,” he remarked. “It appears that humanity prevailed in Biden’s case, and I would not cast judgment on him for this.”
He also took a moment to suggest that Russia should avoid rushing to inter Vladimir Lenin’s remains, which have been displayed in a mausoleum on Red Square for nearly a century, to prevent societal division over the matter.
The live session, which followed a familiar format, prominently featured domestic issues, with participants raising concerns about accelerating consumer prices, inadequate pensions, and a scarcity of healthcare professionals.
Russian state outlets reported that more than 2 million inquiries were submitted from the public ahead of the event.
Putin commenced the session by claiming that the economy is projected to grow by nearly 4% this year, while acknowledging persistently high consumer prices and an inflation rate of 9.3%, insisting the overall situation is “stable.”
The spectacle of the conference saw journalists and members of the audience showcasing colorful placards to capture Putin’s attention, many advocating for local causes.
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