MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted on Friday that the Russian military is making significant advances in Ukraine, expressing his confidence in achieving the Kremlin's military objectives nearly four years following the commencement of hostilities. During his annual news conference, which is a highly organized event, Putin emphasized that Russian forces have "fully seized strategic initiative" and anticipated further territorial gains by the end of the year.
In the conflict's early stages in 2022, Ukraine's military successfully repelled an initial attempt by the larger and better-equipped Russian armed forces to capture Kyiv. Following these initial setbacks, the conflict transitioned into protracted battles, with Russian troops achieving slow but steady progress over the years. Putin has consistently promoted this forward movement, despite it not aligning with the rapid advancements many had initially anticipated.
At the live news conference, which also featured a nationwide call-in component allowing citizens to pose questions to the president, Putin stated, "Our troops are advancing all across the line of contact, faster in some areas or slower in others, but the enemy is retreating in all sectors." This annual event, attended by Putin, who has been in power for 25 years, is used to reinforce his authority and share his perspectives on various domestic and international issues.
This year, diplomatic observers are particularly focused on Putin’s comments regarding Ukraine and a proposed peace plan introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts from Washington, the attempts to mediate have been met with starkly conflicting demands from both Moscow and Kyiv.
Putin reiterated that Moscow is open to a peaceful resolution that addresses the "root causes" of the conflict, hinting at rigorous preconditions set by the Kremlin for such a settlement. Earlier in the week, he issued a warning that Russia would aim to expand its territorial ambitions in Ukraine should Kyiv and its Western allies dismiss the Kremlin's demands.
The Russian leader outlined his demands, which include recognition of all territories in four key regions captured by Russian forces, as well as the Crimean Peninsula, which was unlawfully annexed in 2014, as Russian land. He insisted that Ukraine withdraw from areas in eastern Ukraine not yet seized by Russian forces—territorial requirements that Kyiv has categorically rejected.
Additionally, the Kremlin has made it clear that Ukraine must relinquish its ambitions to join the NATO military alliance. Putin warned that the presence of any NATO troops in Ukraine would be viewed as a "legitimate target." Moreover, he reiterated established demands, including that Ukraine must limit the size of its military forces and grant official status to the Russian language, requests he has been making since the conflict’s inception.
