Putin Prepared to Make Concessions in Discussions with Trump Regarding Ukraine

December 19, 2024 TruthUSA

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a challenge to the West for a ‘high-tech duel’ to test their ability to protect a target in Kyiv from Russia’s Oreshnik missile.

Putin expressed readiness for “compromises” in potential discussions with President-elect Donald Trump regarding Ukraine but emphasized the strong position of Russian forces.

During Moscow’s annual end-of-year press conference, Putin stated that the military was making progress in Ukraine and approaching its objectives.

While affirming Russian forces’ advancement on all fronts in Ukraine, he highlighted the country’s willingness for negotiations and compromises. Putin emphasized the need for the other side to be prepared for discussions and concessions as well.

Regarding a possible meeting with Trump, Putin mentioned that they would have substantial matters to address and emphasized Moscow’s advantageous negotiation position.

Putin stated, “Over the past few years, Russia has significantly enhanced its strength, becoming a truly independent nation. We are bolstering our economic stability, reinforcing our defense capabilities, and now possess the most robust military force globally.”

Putin had previously signaled openness to discussing a ceasefire agreement with Trump, reiterating that territorial concessions were off the table, and emphasized Ukraine’s abandonment of NATO aspirations.

During the Q&A session, Putin was queried about Russia’s new Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile and challenged NATO to a technological faceoff in protecting a predetermined target in Ukraine.

Putin mentioned Russia’s recent territorial gains in eastern Ukraine and nearing capture of Pokrovsk. He acknowledged uncertainty about future developments but expressed commitment to achieving the objectives outlined at the start of the military operation.

However, Russia faced a setback when Lt. Gen Igor Kirillov, the head of its Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Forces, was assassinated in Moscow, leading Putin to term it a “major blunder” and urge security agencies to learn from the incident.

Putin addressed the Syria situation, asserting that Assad’s removal and refuge-seeking in Moscow did not weaken Russia but rather marked the accomplishment of eliminating terrorist groups in Syria. He mentioned reaching out to rebel groups in collaboration with Western nations.

Putin strategized discussions with Assad and Syria’s new leadership on the fate of missing American journalist Austin Tice and rejected notions of waning Russian influence in the Middle East.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Source link