Putin summed up the “year’s results”: key statements on war, economy, and negotiations
Фото: Reuters
A direct line with Vladimir Putin in the “Year Results” format was launched in Moscow, during which he made a number of statements regarding the war against Ukraine, the economic situation, and international relations. He also made comments on tax policy, sanctions, social benefits, and citizen security.
This is reported by Russian media.
War against Ukraine and negotiations
Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow currently does not see Ukraine’s readiness for peace, but at the same time it is recording certain signals from Kyiv regarding the possibility of dialogue.
“We have also always said: we are ready and want to end the conflict by peaceful means,” said Vladimir Putin.
He also stated that Russia allegedly agreed to the proposals of the United States of America during a meeting with Donald Trump in Anchorage.
“When I arrived in Anchorage, I said that these would be difficult decisions for us, but we agree with the compromises offered to us,” Vladimir Putin said.
According to him, the responsibility for the further process lies with “Western opponents” and “the leaders of the Kyiv regime.”
Putin also noted that Russia does not deny the right of countries to independently choose their method of defense, but this choice, according to him, should not threaten Russia’s security.
The situation at the front and the actions of the troops
Putin said that Russian troops are allegedly advancing along the entire front line.
“The initiative has completely and completely passed into the hands of the Russian Armed Forces,” Vladimir Putin said.
He also reported that, according to him, Kupyansk is under the control of Russian troops, and more than half of Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region has been taken under control.
In addition, Putin stated that the Red Liman would be occupied soon, after which the movement would continue towards Slavyansk.
Exchanging bodies of the dead
Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky reported that the bodies of 1,000 dead Ukrainian soldiers were handed over to Ukraine as part of the Istanbul agreements. According to him, the bodies of 26 dead were handed over to Russia.
Comments on Zelenskyy
Vladimir Putin commented on the video of Volodymyr Zelenskyy against the backdrop of the Kupyansk stele.
“Why stand on the threshold? Come into the house,” said Vladimir Putin.
He also stated that he does not follow Zelensky’s performances and called him a “good artist.”
Economy, inflation and growth
Putin stated that the slowdown in economic growth is the price to pay for maintaining the quality of the economy and macroeconomic indicators.
“The goal was set to reduce inflation to at least 6%. Apparently, by the end of the year it will be below 6%,” Vladimir Putin said.
He also reported that over the past 3 years, Russia’s economic growth has allegedly been 9.7%.
At the same time, Putin said that the unemployment rate in Russia had fallen to 2.2%. He also said that real wages had increased by 4.5% over the year.
Taxes, budget and key rate
Vladimir Putin called increasing the value-added tax the most transparent way to solve budget problems.
“This is the most correct, honest and transparent way,” said Vladimir Putin.
He stressed that the goal of the tax changes is to balance the budget and eliminate the shadow economy. Putin also commented on the decision of the Central Bank of Russia to lower the key rate from 16.5% to 16%.
“I will not give any assessments now,” said Vladimir Putin.
Drones and army recruitment
Putin said that the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Industry are working on the problem of the shortage of heavy hexacopters.
“In terms of the number of drones, we surpass the enemy on all sectors of the front,” said Vladimir Putin.
He also reported that more than 400,000 people have joined the army under contract this year.
“406 or 410 thousand,” Vladimir Putin clarified.
Sanctions and frozen assets
Commenting on the European Union’s intentions to use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine, Putin called it “plunder.”
“This is not theft, this is robbery,” said Vladimir Putin.
He added that these funds, according to him, “will have to be returned,” including through the courts.
By the way, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated that Russia has no intention of giving up its goals regarding the occupied territories of Ukraine and is ready to achieve them by both diplomatic and military means.
Earlier, during an interview with Indian journalists, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin virtually refused to answer the question of why the Russian army was destroying the homes of residents of eastern Ukraine – even those who support the occupation.
As reported, the Kremlin stated that Russia allegedly seeks not a temporary truce, but “full-fledged peace”, while rejecting the idea of a Christmas ceasefire.
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