Putin says Russia’s goals in Ukraine remain “unchanged” – DW – 12/14/2023

After a year-long hiatus, Russian Pres Russian President Vladimir Putin He again holds his marathon year-end press conference on Thursday, which is broadcast live on state television.

Last December, Putin canceled the press conference for the first time in 10 years. At the time, Kremlin watchers were convinced that Putin wanted to avoid questions from international journalists while his military suffered a series of setbacks in Ukraine.

But almost Two years after his attackPutin may feel his fortunes returning. Ukraine’s latest counterattack failed to break through the heavily fortified Russian lines Support from its allies is dwindling.

What did Putin say about the war in Ukraine?

Putin said of the conflict that Russia’s goals in Ukraine remained “unchanged.”

“There will be peace when we achieve our goals,” he said. “Let us return to these goals: they have not changed. I will remind you of what we talked about then: denazification of Ukraine, its disarmament, and its neutral status.”

He stressed that Russian forces are working to improve their positions along the front line. In rare details, he said that about 244,000 soldiers are fighting in Ukraine.

He said that peace would not be possible until disarmament.

He added: “If they do not want to reach an agreement, we will have to take other measures, including military measures. Or we will agree on certain conditions. There are other possibilities – either reaching an agreement or dissolving it by force.” This is what we will strive for.”

What does Putin’s press conference look like?

Putin, who recently announced He will run for another presidential term in the March 2024 electionsHe uses the show to portray himself as a problem solver.

Unlike Putin’s previous press conferences at the end of the year, there were no formal accreditation procedures this time, and the Kremlin only issued invitations to selected journalists.

The press conference will be carefully followed A television program designed for advocacy For ordinary Russians it is called “Direct Line to Vladimir Putin.”

Citizens who have the opportunity to ask Putin a question tend to focus on domestic issues, with health care, the economy and infrastructure becoming common topics.

Russian official media reported that more than a million and a half questions were asked.

dh/rt (AFP, dpa)