Russian President Vladimir Putin used his annual “Results of the Year” press conference in Moscow to underscore a hardline position on the ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasizing that Kyiv refuses to negotiate on territorial concessions. His remarks come amid growing international efforts, led by US President Donald Trump, to broker a peace deal and end the nearly four-year conflict.

Putin Targets Zelenskyy Over Territory

Speaking before thousands in Moscow’s Gostiny Dvor exhibition hall, Putin stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is unwilling to discuss ceding any territory. “We know from statements from Zelenskyy that he’s not prepared to discuss territory issues,” Putin said, highlighting Kyiv’s constitutional prohibition on ceding land.

Putin demanded Ukraine relinquish all regions captured by Russian forces, including Crimea, annexed in 2014, and parts of eastern Ukraine not yet under Russian control, including sections of Donetsk. Ukraine has categorically rejected these demands.

“The goal is to secure all territory Moscow has occupied, while also pushing for withdrawals from areas still under Ukrainian control,” Putin asserted, framing the stance as non-negotiable.

Battlefield Claims and Reality

During the marathon session, Putin claimed that Russian forces have “fully seized strategic initiative” and forecasted further territorial gains by year-end. However, Western assessments and recent Ukrainian counteroffensives challenge this narrative:

• Ukrainian forces reclaimed nearly all of Kupiansk, isolating Russian troops.
• Russian troops failed to capture Pokrovsk in Donetsk, contradicting Moscow’s claims of total control.

Despite these setbacks, Putin indicated that Russia might consider pausing attacks if Ukraine holds elections—a difficult prospect since elections cannot occur during an active war.

Russia’s Stance on Frozen Assets

Putin also criticized Western handling of frozen Russian assets, particularly in light of the EU’s $105bn loan to Ukraine, calling the plan “robbery” rather than theft, because it is being carried out openly. He pledged to pursue legal action through courts he described as independent of political influence.

EU leaders decided to borrow funds on capital markets rather than directly use frozen Russian assets, according to EU Council President Antonio Costa. The loan is intended to support Ukraine’s military and economic needs over the next two years.

Kaliningrad Warning

In a stark warning, Putin stated that any attempt to blockade Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave located between Poland and Lithuania, could trigger a “large-scale conflict.” The region hosts Russia’s Baltic Fleet, making it strategically sensitive.

Q&A Event Overview

The annual event, held in various formats since 2001, drew approximately three million questions from Russians submitted via phone, text, and online platforms. An artificial intelligence system processed the queries to identify common themes, allowing Putin to address a wide range of topics—from domestic policy to foreign affairs and the war in Ukraine.

Diplomatic Implications

Putin’s remarks come at a critical moment in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as Western officials monitor his messaging for insights into Moscow’s war strategy. While Trump-led diplomatic efforts aim to broker peace, negotiations remain stalled due to sharply conflicting demands from both sides.

US officials estimate that the conflict has resulted in more than two million casualties, though precise figures remain unverified.