Putin Awaits Victory
Vladimir Putin once again emphasized that peace will only be achieved when Russia meets its goals, while Zelensky addressed EU leaders, urging them not to betray the Ukrainians.
Vladimir Putin spoke directly to the Russian people in a live television program as part of the year-end press conference, held for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The Russian President, who last year avoided the traditional year-end television conference, stated in this year’s program that Russia’s sovereignty is under threat and peace with Ukraine will only occur when the goals are unmet. The Kremlin leader, after reiterating the strength of the country’s economy, focused more on what he calls the special military operation against Ukraine.
Putin, who recently announced his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election in March, presented himself as a confident and strong leader. Unlike previous occasions, foreign journalists were not allowed to attend, and the Kremlin only invited selected media to participate in the program.
Putin’s speech took place on a television program called ‘Direct Line to Vladimir Putin,’ where ordinary citizens are given the opportunity to ask questions to the President. According to Russian state media, over one and a half million questions were submitted, with some appearing on large studio screens, seemingly irritating and angering the Russian leadership, such as the question, ‘When will the Russia we live in resemble the one you advertise on TV?’
Last December, Putin canceled his press conference for the first time in ten years. Observers and experts speculate that he wanted to avoid unpleasant questions, as his army had suffered repeated defeats on the battlefield. Yet, two years after the invasion began, the fate of the conflict remains uncertain, and it seems Moscow believes it will ultimately prevail thanks to its resolve.
The conference was actually held after Ukraine’s recent counter-offensive failed to penetrate Russian lines, and it appears that support for Kyiv from Brussels is weakening.
Putin’s Statements on Ukraine
Putin stated that nearly two years after the war began, Russia’s goals regarding Ukraine have not changed, and he reiterated that these goals include the denationalization and demilitarization of Ukraine. He said peace would only be possible after demilitarization, and if they do not agree to a settlement, other measures, including military action, will be necessary.
In an unusual reference to figures, the Kremlin leader said Russian forces are improving their positions on the front line, adding that currently 617,000 Russian soldiers are present at the front, with about 300,000 having been called up last year, and over 486,000 volunteering for military service. He stated that based on these numbers, there is currently no need for new forces.
The Russian President did not provide information on military casualties but revealed that the children of those close to him have been killed. According to a report from U.S. intelligence, it is estimated that since the beginning of the war, about 315,000 soldiers, nearly 90% of Russia’s military personnel since the invasion began, have been killed or wounded.
The Russian President claimed that while Ukraine is trying to maintain its foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region, it has lost some of its best fighters. Putin added, ‘I think this is a foolish and irresponsible act by the political leader of any country. I think it is a tragedy for that nation.’
New Aid to Ukraine
In this television conference, Vladimir Putin did not neglect to talk about Russia’s relations with the United States and Europe, blaming both for attempting to push Russia into a second or third place and ignoring Russian interests. The Russian President described the United States as an important country blinded by its imperialism.
Putin then called on the United States to respect nations and countries, stating that Russia is ready to restore and improve relations with America whenever this happens. Putin also expressed willingness to improve relations with Europe but simultaneously emphasized that Russia made no mistake with its aggressive actions, pointing to the 2014 Ukrainian revolution and stating that Europe and the United States left us with no other choice.
Simultaneously with the Russian leader’s conference, Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO Secretary, was speaking at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels, warning that if Putin wins in Ukraine, there is a real risk that his aggressions will not stop there. Stoltenberg, in a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who expressed doubts about sending weapons to Ukraine, reiterated that Putin is preparing for a tough and long war, and cutting military aid prolongs the war rather than ending it.
EU: Keeping Promises or Breaking Vows
While Russian President Vladimir Putin was speaking from Moscow, EU leaders gathered in Brussels for the start of the European Council, focusing entirely on the issue of Ukraine and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who effectively held 27 countries hostage on two key supportive actions for Kyiv: approving a 50 billion euro fund for Ukraine’s war-torn economy and EU accession talks.
Negotiations will continue even to the bitter end, announcing that if no agreement is reached on December 14 and 15, the summit will continue until Monday. Since the $60 billion humanitarian military aid package for Ukraine has been stalled in the U.S. Congress, Brussels’ support is more crucial for Kyiv’s continued fight against Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a video message to European leaders, reminded them of a decision that was promised, which is not about what politicians need but about what people need. Both those in Europe and those fighting in Ukraine believe that Europe can prevent a return to the tense days of the past and fruitless disputes between capitals. Zelensky said that ten years ago in Ukraine, people rose under the EU flag, and today I ask you not to betray the people and their faith in Europe and not to gift Putin the first victory of the year.
It is inferred that Vladimir Putin is currently speaking from a position of a winner and victor, even if it is such that Russia is improving and Ukraine is weakened, the outcome of the war is still not definitive.
It seems the scenario has changed, but many indicators can still change. Events far from Ukraine’s borders, such as the European and U.S. elections, can also determine the fate of this country. Today, we can only say that what the allies hoped for, namely the counterattack, did not materialize, and it seems that inertia on the ground is shifting in favor of Moscow.
