End in sight for Russia-Ukraine war as Putin moves to negotiate with Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to holding talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has suggested he could broker a peace deal in the Ukraine conflict shortly after taking office.

Speaking during his annual end-of-year press conference, the 72-year-old Kremlin leader said, “I am ready for [a meeting], of course. Any time.” Putin emphasized that such a meeting would provide an opportunity for discussions and potential compromises, though he admitted there has been no communication with Trump in years.

Trump’s past comments about swiftly resolving the Ukraine war have sparked apprehension in Kyiv, where leaders fear he may push for a resolution favoring Moscow.

Conflict Updates and Challenges
During the nearly four-and-a-half-hour press session, Putin highlighted Russia’s military advances in eastern Ukraine while admitting uncertainty over the timeline for reclaiming areas like the western Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched an offensive in August. “We will kick them out. Absolutely,” he stated, but added, “I cannot say right now” when residents displaced by the conflict might return home.

The Russian leader also addressed domestic challenges stemming from the war, including economic pressures caused by increased military spending and labor shortages. While touting “stable” economic indicators such as low unemployment and industrial growth, he acknowledged concerns about inflation, particularly rising food prices.

Hypersonic Missile Proposal
Putin revisited his claims about Russia’s hypersonic ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, suggesting a “hi-tech duel” with Western powers to prove its capabilities. “Let them set some target… and we will launch an Oreshnik strike there and see what happens,” he said, hinting at Kyiv as a potential test site.

He also criticized Russian security services following the assassination of senior military figure Igor Kirillov in Moscow, describing it as a serious lapse in intelligence.

Reflections on the War and Syria
Asked if he would have acted differently in launching the Ukraine offensive in February 2022, Putin said his only regret was not starting earlier. “We should have started preparing for these events, including the special military operation,” he remarked.

Turning to Syria, Putin dismissed claims that the recent ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad signaled a defeat for Russia. “We came to Syria 10 years ago so that a terrorist enclave would not be created there like in Afghanistan. On the whole, we have achieved our goal,” he said, while criticizing Israel for its role in the region.

The press conference offered a rare glimpse into Putin’s perspective on the war and broader geopolitical dynamics, even as uncertainty looms over the potential for negotiations to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict.

AFP.