During an annual end-of-year news conference on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, asserting that the responsibility for negotiations rests with the West and Kyiv. This statement comes amidst claims of recent battlefield successes for Russian forces, with Putin threatening to continue territorial gains should dialogue efforts falter.
Putin, who has been in power for 25 years, maintained a defiant demeanor during the four-and-a-half-hour event. He expressed confidence in Russia’s military advancements and reiterated that Moscow intends to pursue its objectives in Ukraine. He emphasized that if negotiations do not yield results, Russia would seize the remainder of the territories it has declared as Russian through military means.
In a controversial assertion, Putin claimed he does not bear personal responsibility for the significant loss of life that has occurred since the onset of hostilities. He reiterated Moscow’s narrative that it did not initiate the conflict, saying, “We do not consider ourselves responsible for the loss of life.”
The war, which began in February 2022, has now resulted in Europe’s most severe conflict since World War II. Despite calls for peace, Putin dismissed any allegations of prolonging the talks, suggesting that Russia had shown a willingness to compromise, though he did not specify what those compromises entailed.
“The ball is now fully and completely on the side of our Western opponents… first of all the head of the Kyiv regime and their European sponsors,” he stated, indicating that he holds the West accountable for the current stalemate in negotiations.
In an ongoing diplomatic maneuver, the U.S. and its European allies are reportedly finalizing a proposal that appears to align closely with several of Moscow’s conditions for ending the conflict. Putin anticipated that recent military gains should compel Ukraine to reconsider its stance, especially regarding ceding land to Russia as part of any settlement.
Furthermore, Putin hinted at potential long-term strategies for the conflict, suggesting that Russia would consider suspending long-range strikes during Ukrainian elections, a proposition aimed at encouraging President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership in moving towards a resolution.
Putin asserted that Russian troops are making progress across various fronts, expressing confidence in the capture of additional territories before the year’s end. His remarks coincide with data analysis indicating that the Russian army made substantial advances in November, representing its largest territorial gains in a year.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized a European proposal for a multinational force to oversee any peace agreement, labeling it a “brazen” threat to Russian sovereignty.
Additionally, Putin cautioned the European Union against utilizing frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s recovery and defense efforts, warning of “severe” repercussions should such actions occur.
In a separate development, as Putin addressed the media, Zelensky was in Warsaw, asserting that a failure to support Ukraine would lead to increased Russian aggression towards neighboring nations, including Poland.
The Kremlin’s event attracted considerable public interest, with reports suggesting that nearly three million questions were submitted to Putin ahead of the press conference. While discussing various topics, from national issues to personal reflections on life, Putin downplayed the impact of economic sanctions imposed by the West, even as the Central Bank adjusted interest rates against a backdrop of declining growth.
Russia has faced extensive economic challenges due to sanctions, military expenditures, inflation, and fiscal pressures, yet Putin remains steadfast in projecting a message of resilience and ongoing commitment to his strategic aims in Ukraine.
