Summary
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised year-end press conference, said Russia should have invaded Ukraine earlier with better preparation.
He defended his policies, highlighting strengthened ties with China, Russia’s aggressive nuclear doctrine, and military gains in Ukraine, while dismissing claims of setbacks.
Putin claimed economic “stability” despite sanctions but acknowledged 9.1% inflation.
He emphasized “sovereignty” as a key success of reducing Western reliance.
The press conference was highly choreographed and tightly controlled.
I feel invading and killing thousands of people could be described a little harsher than “disrespectful”, but I agree. I was so relieved after the iron curtain fell and we could finally care about other things. Russia was a neighbor and a trade partner. It’ll be a long time until anyone trusts them again, no matter if the war ends next week or drags on.