Russia should have invaded Ukraine ‘earlier’ says Putin – as he addresses possible peace talks

In his end-of-year press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin reflected on Russia’s military actions and domestic issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. Putin stated that, with hindsight, Russia should have been better prepared for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which he continues to refer to as a “special military operation.” He suggested that more systemic planning and earlier action could have benefited Russia in the war. This admission came after eight years of tensions following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the conflict in eastern Ukraine, before Russia’s attempt to seize Kyiv in February 2022.

The press conference, dubbed “Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin,” lasted four hours and was broadcast live across state television channels. It included questions from various members of the public, foreign journalists, and pensioners, though the event was heavily choreographed and tightly controlled. Putin spoke against the backdrop of a large blue screen displaying a map of the Russian Federation, including territories annexed from Ukraine.

When asked about Russia’s state compared to when Boris Yeltsin left office 25 years ago, Putin expressed that Russia had regained its sovereignty. He claimed that, under Yeltsin’s rule, the country was heading toward a complete loss of sovereignty due to internal struggles. He also discussed Russia’s foreign relations, notably with Syria and the United States.

On Syria, Putin addressed the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, acknowledging the situation was complicated but denying it was a defeat for Russia, which had supported Assad militarily for years. Putin confirmed that Russia was in talks with Syria’s new leadership to retain key military bases on the Mediterranean coast, potentially for humanitarian use. Regarding the ousted Assad, Putin stated that he had not yet spoken with the Syrian leader, who fled to Moscow earlier in December, but intended to do so soon.

Turning to relations with the United States, Putin noted that he had not spoken with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in four years but would be willing to meet if Trump desired. When asked if he felt weak compared to Trump, who was set to take office in January, Putin quoted Mark Twain: “The rumors of my death are much exaggerated,” prompting some laughter in the conference hall.

Putin also discussed Russia’s growing relationship with China, calling it stronger than ever. He emphasized that the level and quality of Russia-China relations had reached an unprecedented point, with both countries coordinating closely on global issues. This collaboration contrasts with Russia’s increasingly strained relations with the West.

A significant portion of the press conference focused on Ukraine, where Putin described Russia’s forces as making daily progress on the frontlines, labeling Russian troops as “heroes.” He also presented a signed flag given to him by Russian marines from the Kursk region, where Russian forces were reportedly fighting for the “motherland.” Putin also highlighted Russia’s construction efforts in areas it has seized from Ukraine, such as Luhansk, where he claimed road conditions had greatly improved since the region was taken over by Russia-backed forces in 2014.

On the topic of nuclear policy, Putin was asked about Russia’s recent shift in its nuclear doctrine. In November, Russia introduced a new policy allowing for a nuclear strike against any nation that attacks Russia or its allies with conventional weapons. This policy could trigger a nuclear response if Ukraine, for example, launched a large attack on Russia, using conventional weapons or drones. Putin emphasized Russia’s new intermediate-range ballistic missile, Oreshnik, and suggested testing its power by firing it at Ukraine, daring Ukrainian air defenses, which are supplied by the U.S., to intercept it.

Putin’s remarks during the conference repeatedly centered around the theme of “Russian sovereignty.” He praised the country’s economic resilience despite Western sanctions, claiming the economy was stable and grew faster than countries like Germany. However, he acknowledged that inflation, which stands at 9.1%, was a concerning issue. Critics argue that Russia’s economy is overly reliant on military production, which has been driving its economic activity since the war began.

The conference also addressed domestic concerns in Russia, with questions on topics ranging from the struggles of young people to obtain mortgages to concerns over telephone scammers. Putin’s answers reflected a more personalized approach to issues, but his focus remained largely on Russia’s political sovereignty and its foreign policies, particularly in relation to the war in Ukraine.

In conclusion, Putin’s year-end address was a reflection of Russia’s current situation in both domestic and international contexts. While he admitted the need for earlier preparation for the war in Ukraine, his rhetoric about sovereignty, military progress, and nuclear power highlighted his commitment to Russia’s position on the global stage. The press conference underscored the ongoing challenges faced by Russia, both internally and externally, as the war in Ukraine and international relations continue to evolve.

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