Russia’s Vladimir Putin says no peace in Ukraine until goals are achieved, vows victory at year-end conference in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on Thursday that there will be no resolution in Ukraine until his objectives are fulfilled. He made this statement during a year-end press conference, an event that allows him to consolidate his power. Putin, who has been in power for nearly 24 years and recently announced his re-election bid, was met with applause upon his arrival at the central Moscow venue.

Providing rare insight into Moscow's operations, Putin negated the necessity for a second wave of reservist mobilisation. He stated that there are approximately 617,000 Russian soldiers currently stationed in Ukraine, including around 244,000 troops who were summoned to fight alongside professional Russian military forces. Appearing relaxed and fortified by Kyiv's recent battlefield struggles, the 71-year-old Russian leader dismissed nearly two years of Western sanctions and reaffirmed his maximalist objectives in Ukraine.

'Peace will be achieved when we accomplish our goals,' Putin stated regarding the country's 'special military operation. ' He added, 'They are not changing. Allow me to remind you of what we discussed: the denazification and demilitarisation of Ukraine, and its neutral status. ' Putin further stated that Russian forces were 'improving their position on almost the entire line of contact. ' 'Denazification' is a term used by Russia to allege that the Ukrainian government is heavily influenced by radical nationalist and neo-Nazi groups, a claim that is dismissed by Kyiv and the West. Putin's bravado is displayed at a time when Kyiv is at one of its lowest points.