Moscow – During his annual news conference and call-in event on Thursday, President Vladimir Putin asserted that Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine has bolstered the nation’s strength. He dismissed claims that the departure of ally Bashar Assad in Syria has diminished Moscow’s stature. The event, lasting approximately four and a half hours, was designed to reinforce his leadership and showcase his knowledge on a wide range of topics, from military capabilities to domestic economic concerns.
Putin proclaimed that the decision to send troops into Ukraine in 2022 has enhanced both Russia’s military status and economic vigor. Reflecting on this decision, he mentioned that had he the chance to rewind time, he would have preferred to act sooner and more decisively. “Russia has become much stronger over the past two or three years because it has become a truly sovereign country,” he asserted. He went on to claim that Russia’s defenses are currently among the strongest in the world.
Having been in power for nearly 25 years and beginning a new six-year term earlier this year, Putin stated that the military is making progress toward its defined objectives in what he refers to as a special military operation in Ukraine. He addressed a question regarding a new hypersonic ballistic missile that was deployed in Ukraine last month, dismissing opinions from Western analysts who suggested it could be intercepted by NATO air defenses. In a provocative tone, he challenged Ukraine’s allies to a technological contest, proposing to give them a heads-up about a targeted missile strike to gauge the effectiveness of their defenses.
Putin characterized the assassination of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov in Moscow as a significant failure on the part of Russia’s security agencies, indicating that improvements should be made to prevent similar events. Russian forces continue to engage with Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, and when asked how long it would take to clear them out, he simply responded, “we will certainly kick them out,” without specifying a timeline.
This live event, broadcasted across Russia’s vast time zones, typically prioritizes domestic issues, with journalists and citizens raising concerns about rising consumer prices, inadequate pensions, and a shortage of medical professionals. Nevertheless, Putin’s foreign policy stances are closely scrutinized during these press conferences.
On the topic of potential negotiations with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump—who has expressed intentions to explore a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine—Putin confirmed he is open to discussions, although he didn’t go into detail. He emphasized that politics should involve compromise, suggesting that negotiations could take place if predicated on current realities, including Ukraine’s obligations to renounce its NATO aspirations and acknowledge Russia’s territorial gains, demands that have been firmly rejected by Kyiv and the West.
Regarding Assad, Putin indicated that he has not yet spoken with the ousted Syrian leader but intends to inquire about American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria over a decade ago. He noted the importance of consulting with other parties in Syria to gather more information about Tice’s status. Asserting that Russia’s military presence in Syria should benefit the country’s interests, Putin mentioned that the Russian military facilities there could be utilized for humanitarian aid purposes.
Despite the challenges presented by Assad’s fall—significantly undermining Russia’s nine-year effort to maintain his regime—Putin contended that the mission to eliminate terrorist organizations in Syria has succeeded. He suggested that this situation has ultimately worked to Russia’s advantage. He portrayed Israel as the primary beneficiary of Assad losing power, highlighting their military presence in southern Syria and expressing hope for a withdrawal, while acknowledging Israel’s ongoing military buildup in the region.
At the start of the conference, Putin suggested that Russia’s economy is projected to grow nearly 4% this year, acknowledging the current high inflation rate of 9.3%. Nevertheless, he remained optimistic about the overall economic stability during these challenging times.
When questioned about various topics, including President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter, Putin refrained from criticizing the American leader. He acknowledged Biden’s decision as a political one where human compassion may have triumphed over political calculations.
The conference serves as both an information session and a spectacle, with reporters utilizing colorful signs and displays to capture Putin’s attention. Reports indicate that over 2 million inquiries were gathered from the public ahead of the event, demonstrating significant interest in his responses.
