‘Russian forces advancing in Ukraine,’ claims Putin; asserts military goals will be achieved

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday claimed that Moscow’s troops are advancing across the battlefield in Ukraine and that the Kremlin’s military objectives will be achieved, nearly four years after he ordered Russian forces into the neighbouring country.

Speaking at the annual year-end news conference, Putin said Russian forces have “fully seized the strategic initiative” and predicted further gains before the end of the year.

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Putin said Russian forces were advancing “in every direction” as Ukrainian troops retreat.

“Our troops are already in the city of Krasniy Liman. Very soon it will be taken. A huge percentage is under our control,” he said, describing the city as another key settlement for Russia’s advance.

He added, “I am confident that by the end of the year we will have seen new successes by our armed forces, by our soldiers, by our warriors at the line of contact.”

*Ukraine war dominates annual Q&A*

Putin made the remarks during his annual year-end online session, where he answers questions from citizens and journalists. Nearly three million questions were submitted for the event. Putin, who has ruled Russia for over 25 years, has long used the event to project authority and outline his positions on key national and international issues.

This year as well the Russian leader addressed a wide range of issues from domestic infrastructure to global politics; however, his comments on Ukraine dominated the session.

*‘We Did Not Start This War,’ says Putin*

Reiterating his long-standing narrative, Putin said Russia was not responsible for starting the conflict.

“We did not start this war. This war began after the constitutional coup d’état in Ukraine in 2014,” he said, referring to the ouster of Ukraine’s former pro-Russia president.

Putin claimed Ukrainian forces had suffered “serious losses” and were running out of reserves. He said that Kyiv’s failed attempts to regain territory “at any cost” should push it toward peace talks.

*Putin signals readiness for peace talks*

Despite his confident military tone, Putin said Russia remained open to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. “Russia is ready and willing to peacefully resolve the conflict,” he said, adding that peace principles were outlined by Moscow in July last year itself.

Putin also highlighted that he saw “some readiness” from Kyiv to establish dialogue and said, “We would very much like to live in peace next year.”
Comments on Trump and Past Negotiations

Putin praised former US President Donald Trump’s efforts to end the conflict, calling him “absolutely sincere.”

“We were close to an agreement in Anchorage. I said then that decisions would be tough, but we are ready,” Putin said.

*Putin warns Europe over Ukraine aid*

During the live session, the Russian leader warned European countries against providing loans to Ukraine, particularly if secured by frozen Russian assets.

He said, ‘Giving a loan to Ukraine, even secured by Russian assets, will have consequences. If someone gives a loan, it must be reflected in the budget of the country that does it.’

“It’s not just stealing. There are more serious consequences,” he added, warning that attempts to use Russian assets could have “harsh” repercussions.

*Criticism of NATO expansion*

Turning to NATO, Putin said Russia had once cooperated with the alliance but later realized it was “not welcome” and had been “deceived.” He criticised NATO’s eastward expansion, which he said occurred despite assurances it would not move closer to Russia’s borders.

*Moscow’s demands remain unchanged*

Putin has consistently demanded that Ukraine recognise Russian control over four partially occupied regions and the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Moscow in 2014. He has also insisted that Ukraine withdraw from some eastern territories not fully captured by Russian forces.

Kyiv has rejected all such demands, while Moscow has also called on Ukraine to abandon its NATO ambitions, limit its military size, and grant official status to the Russian language, conditions Ukraine and its Western allies have refused to accept.