Vladimir Putin claims Ukraine war has made Russia ‘stronger’
Vladimir Putin has claimed that the war in Ukraine has made Russia "stronger", while denying that the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has destabilized Moscow.
During his traditional year-end press conference, the Russian president addressed numerous questions over the course of several hours, including those about the Ukraine conflict, which is about to enter its third year in 2025.
Vladimir Putin also said that he is open to compromises to achieve peace but remains adamantly opposed to Ukraine joining NATO or being demilitarized.
He emphasized that the Kremlin would not sign any agreements with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he considers "illegitimate", insisting that any deal must offer long-term solutions.
The Russian leader was also questioned about the recent fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, to which he responded that the political changes in the Middle Eastern country do not constitute a defeat for Russia.
(QG - Source: The Guardian / Picture: © Pixabay)