Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his firm stance on resolving the conflict in Ukraine during his annual end-of-year news conference. Putin accused the European Union of attempting to seize Russian assets, calling it “daylight robbery.” He expressed willingness to end the conflict peacefully based on principles outlined in June 2024 at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Putin demanded that Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions and withdraw from regions claimed by Russia. He emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution, pointing out that Ukraine must limit its army’s size and grant official status to the Russian language.
The war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, has reached a critical phase. The U.S. has advocated for a peace deal, but concerns have been raised about the terms favoring Russia. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with Ukraine engaging with European leaders and the U.S. administration.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the importance of finding common ground for a deal between Ukraine and Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that if current efforts fail, Europe may need to engage directly with Putin for negotiations.
Putin attributed the conflict to NATO’s eastward expansion, a claim rejected by the alliance. He noted Russia’s military advances and expressed optimism about the situation on the battlefield. Ukraine, however, disputes Russian gains and cites significant casualties.
European Union leaders recently shelved a plan to use frozen Russian assets to support a loan to Ukraine. Instead, they opted to borrow funds for Kyiv’s defense. Putin criticized the move as “daylight robbery,” warning of severe consequences and undermining trust in the eurozone.
Amid ongoing talks, both Russia and Ukraine have exchanged the bodies of deceased soldiers, underscoring the human toll of the conflict. Putin’s news conference coincided with this exchange, highlighting the ongoing complexities of the situation.