Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Thursday that Russia should have launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine earlier and with better preparation, speaking during his annual end-of-year press conference broadcast across state television channels.
During the four-hour televised event, “Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin,” the Russian leader addressed multiple topics while standing before a blue screen displaying a map of Russia that included annexed Ukrainian territories. Putin emphasized that Russia’s 2022 invasion, which he continues to call a “special military operation,” would have benefited from more “systemic preparation” following the 2014 seizure of Crimea.
The Russian president discussed his country’s updated nuclear doctrine, which now permits nuclear strikes against any nation backed by nuclear powers. He highlighted Russia’s new Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, suggesting a demonstration of its capabilities against Ukrainian air defenses. Putin also addressed the fall of Syria’s Assad regime, indicating ongoing negotiations to maintain Russian military bases on the Mediterranean coast.
Regarding domestic issues, Putin claimed economic stability despite 9.1% inflation, which he termed “alarming.” He credited Western sanctions with strengthening Russian sovereignty, though experts note the economy’s increasing dependence on military production. When challenged about his position relative to incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, Putin quoted Mark Twain: “The rumours of my death are much exaggerated.”
The heavily choreographed event included questions from public members, foreign journalists, and pensioners. Putin particularly emphasized Russian forces’ daily progress on Ukrainian frontlines, at one point displaying a flag he claimed came from marines fighting in the Kursk region. He also touted infrastructure improvements in Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories, specifically mentioning road construction in Luhansk since its 2014 seizure.
