Additional Coverage:
Putin’s Annual Press Conference
President Putin’s annual press conference focused heavily on the ongoing war in Ukraine. He claimed that Russia’s Oreshnik missile is impenetrable by Western air defenses, and challenged Ukraine to a “duel” to prove his point.
Ukraine and Trump
Putin expressed readiness to meet with President-elect Trump, despite their differences. He dismissed allegations that Russia is in a weakened position, emphasizing his confidence in the country’s military capabilities.
Russia’s Position in Syria
Putin denied Russia’s defeat in Syria, despite President Assad’s overthrow. He stated that Moscow will continue to maintain military bases in the country, and suggested that Israel is the primary beneficiary of recent developments in Syria.
U.S. Journalist Missing in Syria
Putin promised to inquire about the whereabouts of Austin Tice, a missing U.S. journalist, with former Syrian President Assad. He said he has not seen Assad since granting him asylum in Moscow.
Negotiations with Ukraine
Despite his threats against Ukraine, Putin expressed Russia’s willingness to negotiate an end to the war without preconditions. He repeated allegations that former British Prime Minister Johnson sabotaged a possible peace deal earlier in the conflict.