Putin’s Year-End Message: We will reach our goals in Ukraine

WISE NEWS PRESS / MOSCOW, RUSSIA — DEC. 20, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted during his traditional year-end press conference that Russian forces have gained the strategic initiative across the entire front line and will achieve their goals with or without a formal agreement.

"Our units are advancing along the entire line of contact; in some areas faster, in others slower, but the enemy is retreating on all fronts," Putin stated, expressing confidence that if Kiev does not accept Russia's terms in peace talks, objectives will be met through military means. The 73-year-old leader emphasized that for peace to be achieved, the "fundamental causes" that led to the conflict—specifically Ukraine's potential NATO membership—must be addressed.

Demands for Territory and Neutrality

Putin noted that he sees no sign of the Kiev administration being ready to discuss territorial concessions. He maintains that Ukraine must recognize the four annexed regions in the east and south, as well as the Crimean Peninsula, as Russian territory. Furthermore, the Russian leader demanded a limit on the number of Ukrainian troops and weapons, alongside granting official status to the Russian language in Ukraine. Putin claimed that while Kiev is struggling with manpower, the number of volunteers joining the Russian military has exceeded 400,000 this year.

Praise for Trump and Accusations against the EU

During the session, Putin praised U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that Trump is making "sincere efforts" to end the conflict. He claimed that Russia accepted U.S. proposals during meetings in Alaska and argued that the responsibility now lies with Western partners and European "sponsors" of Kiev. Conversely, he labeled the European Union's plan to use frozen Russian assets to fund aid for Ukraine as "open robbery," warning that such actions would destroy trust in the Eurozone and frighten away international investors.

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