December 19th 2024.
During his annual news conference and call-in show Thursday, President Vladimir Putin of Russia boasted about the success of his military operation in Ukraine, stating that it has strengthened the country both militarily and economically. He also denied that the ouster of key ally Bashar Assad in Syria has hurt Moscow's prestige.
The event, which lasted for about 4 and a half hours, was a carefully orchestrated display of Putin's power and knowledge on a variety of topics, from consumer prices to military hardware. Putin even admitted that if he could go back in time, he would have made the decision to send troops into Ukraine earlier and better prepared.
According to Putin, Russia has become a much stronger and truly sovereign country in the past few years. He emphasized the country's economic stability and its position as having the strongest military in the world. He also discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, stating that Russia's military is making steady progress and will eventually drive out Ukrainian forces from the Russian region of Kursk.
During the show, Putin also addressed concerns about a new hypersonic ballistic missile that Russia used for the first time last month to strike Ukraine. He dismissed claims by some Western experts that NATO's air defenses could intercept the missile and even proposed a "high-tech duel" to prove its capabilities.
The Russian leader was also asked about the recent assassination of Lt Gen Igor Kirillov in Moscow, which was claimed by Ukraine. Putin called it a "major blunder" and stated that Russia's security agencies should learn from it and improve their efficiency.
Despite the dominance of domestic issues in the show, Putin is always watched for his answers on foreign affairs. He expressed openness to possible talks with incoming US President Donald Trump, who has promised to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Putin also stated that Russia is open to compromise in peace talks but emphasized that any negotiations should be based on the situation on the ground, including Ukraine's renunciation of its bid to join NATO and recognition of Russia's gains.
Moving on to the topic of Syria, Putin revealed that he plans to meet with former Syrian ruler Bashar Assad, who has been given asylum in Moscow, and ask about the whereabouts of missing American journalist Austin Tice. He also discussed Russia's role in the country, stating that it is willing to assist with humanitarian aid but that any further involvement will depend on the interests of both parties.
Putin also addressed the state of Russia's economy, stating that it is on track to grow by nearly 4% this year despite high inflation. He also declined to criticize US President Joe Biden for his decision to pardon his son Hunter, stating that he wouldn't condemn him for prioritizing the human aspect of the situation.
Overall, Putin's annual news conference and call-in show was a display of his power and influence, with journalists and citizens alike eager to hear his thoughts on a variety of topics. And while the show may be a spectacle, it also serves as a platform for Putin to showcase his authority and reaffirm his position as leader of Russia.
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