During Putin’s end-of-year press conference on Thursday, he addressed critical domestic and international matters. Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that he had not spoken to US President-elect Donald Trump in four years but expressed readiness for potential tasks.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Putin emphasized Russia’s daily territorial advances along the entire front line while avoiding specific timelines for retaking the southern Kursk region. He described the ongoing war as serious and expressed confidence in Russia’s eventual success.
Putin further stated that Russia would eventually push Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region, criticizing Kyiv´skyiv’s military efforts in the area. During the press event, Putin also addressed allegations about North Korean troops assisting Russian forces in Ukraine. While Putin did not confirm these claims, reports indicate thousands of North Korean soldiers have joined Russian forces.
The Russian President condemned Ukraine for the recent killing of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, calling it a terrorist act. Kirillov had led Russia’s chemical and biological protection forces and was targeted on Tuesday morning. Putin stated, “The Kyiv regime has repeatedly committed such crimes, terrorist crimes, terrorist attacks against many citizens of the Russian Federation.”
The conference, which featured a live Q&A session that lasted over four hours, highlighted Putin’s narrative on Russia’s independence and military strength. Citizens and journalists asked direct questions, allowing Putin to address challenges like ongoing sanctions, economic difficulties, and international tensions. Putin’s end-of-year press conference provided a significant platform for shaping his administration’s domestic and global image.
