MOSCOW — In a showcase of authority, President Vladimir Putin asserted during his annual news conference that Russia’s military engagement in Ukraine has reinforced the nation’s strength. He dismissed concerns that the recent downfall of a crucial ally in Syria might have tarnished Russia’s standing on the global stage. The event, which is well-structured and often lasts several hours, provided Putin an opportunity to display his command over various issues, ranging from domestic economic challenges to military strategies.
Putin expressed confidence in the resilience of the Russian economy, asserting that almost three years of conflict in Ukraine have fortified not only the economy but also the military capabilities of the nation. “Over the past two to three years, Russia has emerged significantly stronger because it has become a genuinely sovereign state,” he remarked. He highlighted what he perceives as an unwavering economic foundation and asserted that Russia’s defense capabilities are now among the strongest globally. Speaking on military advancements, he insisted that Russian forces were progressing toward their defined objectives in Ukraine—a situation he refers to as a special military operation.
In a light-hearted exchange during the conference regarding a hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile recently deployed in Ukraine, Putin ridiculed assessments from some Western analysts who suggested it could be intercepted by NATO air defenses. He provocatively proposed a “high-tech duel” with Ukraine’s Western allies, suggesting they choose a target in Kyiv to test whether Western defenses could thwart an impending strike from the missile, dubbed Oreshnik. “Let them select a target, possibly in Kyiv, and we shall strike it with Oreshnik,” he said, accompanied by a subtle smile while challenging their defense capabilities.
Despite reporting steady but gradual progress in Ukraine, the Kremlin has also encountered its share of setbacks. Recently, in a striking incident, a senior Russian general was killed by a bomb outside his residence in Moscow, which Ukraine has claimed responsibility for. This incident has resonated throughout the Russian capital, intensifying the narrative of conflicts reaching domestic borders.
Additionally, Russian forces have been clashing with Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, prompting questions about how and when they would reclaim territory. In response, Putin remained vague, indicating that the expulsions of Ukrainian forces were inevitable but without providing a timeline.
Historically, these news conferences are characterized by a plethora of inquiries concerning domestic affairs such as infrastructure maintenance, utility costs, and social assistance. Nonetheless, Putin’s commentary on international matters garners considerable public and media attention, not least when he brandished a banner from marines involved in the Kursk operations during a Q&A session focused on Ukraine.
Putin also remarked on the potential for discussions with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has committed to pursuing a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. “If we meet with Mr. Trump, we will have matters to discuss,” he shared, though he refrained from elaborating on specific topics.
While acknowledging past demands for Ukraine to abandon its aspirations for NATO membership and to accept Russian territorial claims, he stressed that both Ukraine and its Western allies have consistently rejected these proposals. In discussing developments in Syria, he was cautious, acknowledging the demise of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and his intent to eventually meet with him in Moscow to discuss the long-unsolved case of Austin Tice, an American journalist missing in Syria for many years.
Putin indicated a desire to interact with the insurgents who have overtaken Assad in Syria, as Russia attempts to preserve its military and diplomatic influence in the region while negotiating continued access to military bases in the country. However, the extent of Russia’s influence moving forward remains uncertain. The loss of Assad represents a significant setback given Russia’s longstanding support of his regime throughout the nine-year civil war.
Despite these hardships, Putin maintained that Russia had accomplished its original objectives of countering “terrorist” factions in Syria, citing the transformation of rebel groups since the onset of their military involvement. He claimed, “That means that our goals have been achieved.” Additionally, he relayed that military outposts could remain operational, suggesting that Russia has proposed the new leadership in Syria access to its air and naval facilities for humanitarian missions.
Opening the conference, Putin revealed that the Russian economy is expected to see a growth of nearly 4% this year, while acknowledging inflation rates currently at 9.3%. He affirmed the overall stability of the economic landscape despite high consumer prices. The annual news event is as much a spectacle as it serves as a press briefing, with journalists striving to capture the president’s attention amid a plethora of queries submitted by ordinary citizens—over 2 million, as reported by Russian state media.