Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday expressed confidence that Moscow’s military objectives in Ukraine would be achieved, nearly four years after he ordered troops into the neighbouring country.

Speaking at his annual year-end news conference, Putin said Russian forces were advancing along the front line, with progress varying across sectors. “Our troops are advancing all across the line of contact, faster in some areas or slower in others, but the enemy is retreating in all sectors,” he said, asserting that Moscow has “fully seized strategic initiative” and will make further gains by year-end.

Putin reaffirmed that Russia is open to a peaceful settlement addressing what he called the “root causes” of the conflict, though his conditions include recognition of Russian control over territories captured in four eastern regions, the Crimean Peninsula, and parts of eastern Ukraine still under Kyiv’s control — demands rejected by Ukraine.

He also reiterated that Ukraine must abandon its NATO ambitions, limit the size of its army, and grant official status to the Russian language. Putin warned that any NATO troop deployment in Ukraine would be considered a “legitimate target.”

Observers noted the conference was closely watched for remarks on Ukraine and the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Putin used the event, a mix of news briefing and nationwide call-in show, to consolidate domestic support and outline Russia’s positions on global and regional issues.

Source: AP