Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin used his annual marathon news conference on Thursday to make it clear that Russia is not ready to soften its position on the war in Ukraine, offering no sign of compromise or quick peace talks.
Speaking for several hours before journalists and members of the public, Putin said Russia remains open to peace in principle but only on terms it has already set out. He insisted that Ukraine is not ready for serious negotiations and accused Kyiv and its Western allies of ignoring Russia’s core demands.
Putin said Moscow’s conditions for ending the war have not changed and rejected suggestions that Russia should make concessions under international pressure. He repeated that any talks must address what he described as the root causes of the conflict, including Ukraine’s ties with the West and security issues along Russia’s borders.
The Russian leader also dismissed proposals for temporary ceasefires, including a suggested Christmas truce, saying such steps would make sense only if they were part of a broader and lasting peace agreement. According to him, short pauses in fighting without clear guarantees would not lead to a real solution.
During the conference, Putin touched on relations with the United States, saying Russia is preparing for possible contacts with Washington on Ukraine. However, he made it clear that dialogue does not mean Russia will change its demands, and he warned that any talks would be difficult and complex.
Putin also criticised the European Union over the freezing of Russian assets, calling it an unlawful move that damages trust in Western financial systems. He said such actions would not influence Russia’s stance on the war but could have long term consequences for Europe.
On the battlefield, Putin claimed Russian forces are holding the initiative, though he acknowledged the fighting remains intense. He portrayed the conflict as part of a wider struggle over Russia’s place in the world and its security.
The comments underscored the continued stalemate in the conflict, with Moscow standing firm on its position while Ukraine and its allies push for a settlement that Russia shows little sign of accepting. As the war enters another winter, Putin’s message suggested that a breakthrough in peace efforts is not imminent.