«Peace in Ukraine will come when Russia has achieved its goals» . Vladimir Putin said this in his end-of-year press conference, taking stock of Moscow's offensive.
The Russian president - who during the event, which lasted 4 hours, answered questions posed live by citizens - also listed the main objectives to be achieved, namely the "denazification" and "demilitarization" of the country invaded by troops of the Kremlin in February 2022.
As for the reasons for the conflict, the Tsar explained: «Without defending its sovereignty, Russia cannot exist» and the operation in Ukraine aims precisely to « strengthen Russia's sovereignty, border security and the rights and freedoms of citizens".
THE MILITARY POINT – Putin also made the military point, stating that «the Ukrainian counteroffensive has now failed and the Russian forces are improving their positions», despite the fact that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky «goes around begging for aid from the allies."
The Moscow leader admitted that the Ukrainians managed to create a "stronghold" thanks to intense artillery attacks in the town of Krynki, along the eastern bank of the Dnipro river, in the southern Kherson region. "So - he added - our command took the decision to retreat the troops into the surrounding woods, but our losses are minimal, while those of Kiev number in the dozens", because they found themselves "in a trap".
THE SANCTIONS – Putin also touched on the topic of the sanctions that hit Russia after the start of the war: «Our country – he said – has a sufficient margin of safety thanks to the strong consolidation of Russian society, the stability of the financial and economic situation of the country and to the increase of military capabilities".
«The most important indicator – underlined Putin – is economic growth. GDP growth this year is expected at 3.5% and it is a good indicator, it means that we have recovered from last year's fall. And we have made a relatively serious step forward. Unfortunately - he finally remarked - inflation has increased. By the end of the year it is expected to be 7.5%, perhaps it can get closer to 8%, but the central bank and the government are taking the necessary measures."
(Unioneonline/lf)