Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that he is open to talks with US President-elect Donald Trump anytime, especially as Trump has expressed confidence in reaching a peace deal with Ukraine soon after taking office in January.
Trump’s comments have raised concerns in Kyiv, as many fear he may push Ukraine to accept terms more favorable to Moscow. Speaking at his annual end-of-year press conference, Putin acknowledged Russia’s military advances but admitted he couldn’t provide a timeline for Russia regaining control of the western Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops launched an incursion in August.
These annual press conferences, lasting several hours, provide rare opportunities for Putin to directly engage with tough questions from the public and media.
When asked about Trump’s interest in a potential peace deal, Putin welcomed the prospect of a meeting with the incoming US president.
“I don’t know when I’ll meet him,” Putin said. “He hasn’t said anything about it. It’s been over four years since we last spoke. But of course, I am ready anytime.”
“If we ever meet with President-elect Trump, I’m sure we’ll have plenty to discuss,” he added, emphasizing Russia’s readiness for negotiations and compromises.
The Kremlin has praised Trump’s sharp criticism of President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Kyiv to use US-supplied missiles to strike Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
Kursk Offensive
Russia’s forces have been advancing steadily in eastern Ukraine, with Putin repeatedly highlighting their battlefield success.
“We are moving closer to achieving the main goals we set at the start of this special military operation,” Putin stated, using Russia’s term for the conflict.
“Our soldiers are fighting bravely, and the military’s capabilities are growing,” he added.
However, when asked by a woman from the Kursk region about when residents would be able to return home, Putin admitted he couldn’t provide a specific date.
“We will definitely push them out. There’s no other option. But as for a precise timeline, I can’t give you that right now,” he said.
Putin, 72, also addressed Russia’s economic challenges, citing increased military spending and labor shortages as key concerns.
“We have a stable situation despite external threats,” he insisted, pointing to low unemployment rates and industrial growth.
When asked about inflation, Putin acknowledged it as a serious issue, particularly concerning rising food prices such as butter and meat.
He also criticized the central bank, arguing they should have taken more steps to combat inflation beyond raising interest rates.
Oreshnik ‘Duel’
During the conference, Putin appeared to repeat threats of using Russia’s advanced hypersonic missile, known as Oreshnik, if needed.
When asked by a military journalist about potential flaws in the weapon, Putin suggested a hypothetical scenario in which Western forces could deploy air defenses to intercept a missile strike on Kyiv.
“Let them focus their defenses there,” Putin proposed. “We’ll launch an Oreshnik strike and see how effective their air defenses really are.”
Putin also condemned the killing of Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s chemical weapons unit, who was assassinated by a bomb placed on a scooter outside a residential building in Moscow, calling it a terrorist act.
Syria
In his first public comments since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Putin rejected claims that Assad’s downfall was a defeat for Russia.
“You want to frame Syria as a defeat for Russia,” Putin said, addressing a journalist. “That’s not true. We’ve achieved our goals.”
Putin confirmed he has not yet met Assad, who fled to Moscow as rebels closed in on Damascus, but plans to do so in the near future.
