In his traditional end-of-year press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin made bold statements on key geopolitical issues, aired live on Russian television. Addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine, Putin claimed significant progress towards Russia’s objectives, stating, “We are advancing toward our primary goals.”
The Russian leader emphasized the strength of the Oreşnik missile, asserting it is invulnerable to being intercepted. In a provocative tone, he challenged the United States to a “technological duel” over missile systems.
Putin also revealed plans to meet Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has been residing in Moscow. “Russia has not been defeated in Syria,” he declared, but he intriguingly pointed out that the real beneficiary of the Syrian conflict was Israel.
On Ukraine peace talks, Putin reiterated that any negotiations would hinge on the revival of the Istanbul Agreements, signaling no softening in Russia’s stance.
