Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted during his annual year-end press conference that Moscow’s military forces have gained complete strategic initiative in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Addressing the nation in a carefully orchestrated event that combined a live news conference with a nationwide call-in program, the Russian leader expressed unwavering confidence that the Kremlin’s military objectives would ultimately be achieved.
Putin emphasized that Russian troops are consistently advancing across the entire line of contact, though he acknowledged the pace varies across different sectors. ‘Our troops are progressing throughout the combat zone, with some areas witnessing faster advancement than others, but the enemy continues to retreat across all fronts,’ the Russian president stated.
The conflict, which approaches its fourth anniversary since Putin initially ordered troops into Ukraine, has evolved significantly from its initial phase when Ukrainian forces successfully repelled Russia’s attempt to capture Kyiv. The warfare has since transformed into a grueling battle of attrition, with Moscow’s military making gradual but persistent territorial gains despite failing to achieve the rapid victory many analysts had anticipated.
Regarding potential peace negotiations, Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness for a diplomatic settlement that would address what he termed the ‘root causes’ of the conflict. However, the Russian leader’s conditions remain extensive and largely unacceptable to Kyiv. These demands include international recognition of Russia’s claimed annexation of four Ukrainian regions and Crimea, which Moscow illegally seized in 2014. Additionally, Putin insists Ukraine must withdraw its forces from certain eastern territories not currently under Russian control.
The Kremlin further demands that Ukraine abandon its aspirations to join the NATO alliance and cease all military cooperation with Western nations. Putin has repeatedly stated that any NATO troop deployments would be considered ‘legitimate targets.’ Other conditions include mandatory limitations on the size of Ukraine’s military forces and granting official status to the Russian language within Ukraine’s governmental and administrative structures.
Earlier this week, Putin warned that Moscow would continue expanding its territorial control if Kyiv and its Western allies reject these demands. The statement comes as international observers closely monitor Putin’s response to peace proposals reportedly put forward by the United States, though diplomatic efforts have encountered significant obstacles due to the fundamentally incompatible positions of both warring parties.