The annual Direct Line event and the year-end press conference of Vladimir Putin

Photo: Kremlin.ru

The annual Direct Line event and the year-end press conference are longstanding traditions, both of which have been hosted by the Kremlin since 2001. According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, this format is beneficial as it enables him to address issues that require particular attention.

On December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to hold a major press conference to tackle various issues pertinent to the Russian public, Sputnik reports. This year, the press conference coincides with his live question-and-answer session, "Direct Line with Vladimir Putin." Over two million questions have been submitted for this interactive event.

In the run-up to the "Direct Line with President Vladimir Putin", the call center for the "Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin" program received a whopping 1,608,940 calls.

The most pressing issues that Russians addressed to the "Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin" program were housing, medical care, transportation accessibility, and the condition of roads.

The Central Federal District, Northwestern Federal District, and Southern Federal District were the regions that contacted the call center most frequently.

The key points of the Direct Line.

Photo: Kremlin.ru

Situation in Russian Economy Stable, Economic Growth Will Reach 4% This Year

Unemployment in Russia is at a record low of 2.3 percent, which has never happened before, Putin said.

Real incomes of Russians have grown, Putin said.

"Salaries have grown by 9% in real terms. I want to emphasize this — in real terms, minus inflation. And the disposable income of the population has also grown. So, overall, this situation is stable, I repeat, and reliable," Putin said at the annual "Direct Line" question-and-answer session combined with his end-of-year press conference.

According to Vladimir Putin, the situation in the Russian economy is generally stable and reliable, in 2025 GDP growth will be 2%-2.5% - Putin.

"I was talking about the growth of our economy, to a large extent this is the result of strengthening sovereignty... This is especially important for our country, because with the loss of sovereignty, we lose statehood. This is the most important thing. And the strengthening of sovereignty is also the result of economic growth," Putin said at the annual "Direct Line" question-and-answer session combined with his end-of-year press conference.

International Financial and Economic Institutions Put Russia in First Place in Terms of Economic Growth Among European Countries

International financial and economic institutions have ranked Russia first among European countries in terms of economic volume in purchasing power parity and fourth in the world, Putin said.

"We are ahead of China, the United States and India. Last year we overtook Germany and this year we overtook Japan," the president said.

At the same time, Russia should not be complacent about the economic results achieved, despite the fact that the European economy has "fallen asleep," as there are other countries that are moving forward, Putin added.

"Everything is evolving, everything is actively moving forward. If the eurozone has fallen asleep, there are other centers of global development - they are moving forward," the president said.

Our Troops Liberate Square Kilometers of Territory Every Day

Russian troops regain control of land measuring square kilometers day by day, Putin said, adding that the the armed forces are making progress in achieving their primary tasks and their capabilities are increasing.

"We are moving toward, as you said, solving our primary tasks, which we outlined at the beginning of the special military operation," the Russian president said.

Russian troops regain control of land measuring square kilometers day by day, Putin said, adding that the the armed forces are making progress in achieving their primary tasks and their capabilities are increasing.

"We are moving toward, as you said, solving our primary tasks, which we outlined at the beginning of the special military operation," the Russian president said.

Russian Troops Are Knocking Ukrainian Forces Out of Russia's Kursk Region

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that there was no doubt that Russia's Kursk Region would be liberated.

"There are no doubts [that the Kursk Region will be liberated]. I cannot and do not want to call a specific date when they will knock out [the Ukrainian forces] for now... We will definitely knock them out, absolutely definitely, it cannot be otherwise," Putin said.

At the same time, the president said he had an idea when Ukrainian troops would be driven out of the region.

The Russian military is pushing the Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk Region, Putin added.

"The 155th brigade is now fighting in the Kursk Region, squeezing, pushing the enemy out of our territory. Of course, they are not alone there. The 810th naval brigade of the Black Sea Fleet, 76th and 106th divisions of the airborne forces, motorized riflemen, motorized infantry of the Northern Military District are also fighting there," the president said.

Ukraine is throwing its best assault units as cannon fodder to slaughter in the Kursk Region, Putin added.

"There is no military sense, there was no military sense at all: neither for the Ukrainian armed forces to enter the Kursk Region, nor to hold out there now, as they are doing, throwing their best assault groups and units there to the slaughter," Putin said.

The number of armored vehicles of the Ukrainian armed forces destroyed in the Kursk Region has exceeded the amount of Ukraine's vehicles destroyed in 2023, Putin added.

Meanwhile, residents of the Kursk Region affected by the hostilities will receive everything they are due, including the restoration of their houses, Putin said.

Photo: Kremlin.ru

Putin Extends Best Wishes for Good Luck and Safe Return to Frontline Soldiers

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his full support for soldiers on the front lines, wishing them good luck, victory, and a safe return home.

“All of them are fighting heroically in the truest sense of the word, engaging directly with the enemy at this very moment. Let us extend our best wishes to all — those fighting in the Kursk region and those along the entire front line — for luck, victory, and a safe return home,” Putin stated.

Putin Calls Oreshnik Modern Type of Weapon

Russian President Vladimir Putin called the medium-range Oreshnik missile systems a modern type of weapon.

"This [Oreshnik] is a modern, very new weapon," Putin said.

This missile systems are created on the basis of previous Russian design created on the basis of previous Russian design projects that have been finalized, the president said, adding that he took part in the decision to produce Oreshnik.

When asked why Oreshnik got its name, Putin said that he does not know.

There are no opportunities to easily shoot down or destroy Oreshnik missiles, the president said.

"Let them [Western experts] offer us and let them offer those in the West and the US who pay them for their analysis to conduct some kind of technological experiment, a high-tech duel of the 21st century. Let them identify some target in Kiev to hit, concentrate all their air defense and missile defense forces there, and we will strike there with Oreshnik and see what happens. We are ready for such an experiment," Putin said on a direct line combined with a press conference," Putin said.

New anti-missile systems deployed in Romania and Poland will not reach the new Russian missile system Oreshnik, Putin said.

"Let's imagine that our system [Oreshnik] is located at a distance of 2,000 kilometers [1,243 miles]. Even anti-missiles located on the territory of Poland will not reach it," Putin said at the annual "Direct Line" question-and-answer session combined with his end-of-year press conference.

Updated Nuclear Doctrine Increases Responsibility of Hostile Non-Nuclear States While Ensuring Belarus' Security

Russia will do everything to ensure the security of Belarus, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Another component related to the management of nuclear weapons... is that we announced that if the same threats are created for our ally, a member of the union state, for Belarus, then Russia will consider this in the same way as creating similar threats for Russia itself. And we will do everything to ensure the security of Belarus. We are doing this in coordination with the Belarusian leadership, in coordination with the President of Belarus Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko. And I think this is a very important component of the updated nuclear strategy of the Russian Federation," Putin said at the annual Direct Line question-and-answer session combined with his end-of-year press conference.

Vladimir Putin said that he does not know whether the West has correctly understood Russia's changes to its nuclear doctrine.

"I do not know how they understood it. You should ask them that," Putin said at the annual Direct Line question-and-answer session combined with his end-of-year press conference.

Road Around Azov Sea Will Be of Same Quality as Tavrida Highway in Crimea

Russia will build a road around the Azov Sea that will be of the same quality as the Tavrida highway in Crimea, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"There is a very good, already implemented beginning of the topic. We plan to build a ring road around the Sea of Azov, which has become the inland sea of the Russian Federation. And it will be the same road as the Tavrida in Crimea — a four-lane traffic with all the advantages of such a route. One part has already been done, the beginning is only from Taganrog to Mariupol. This is a small area - 40 kilometers [24 miles], but planning is going on around the entire Sea of Azov," Putin said.

Putin Says 21,000 Facilities Already Restored in New Regions

As many as 21,000 facilities have already been restored in new regions of Russia and another 20,000 facilities should be restored and built over the next five to six years, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Already 21,000 objects have been restored. Moreover, 11,000 — at the expense of the federal budget, and 10,000 objects — at the expense of the sponsor regions from all over Russia ... This is what has been done. Over the next five to six years, we must restore and build another 20,000 objects," Putin said at the annual "Direct Line" question-and-answer session combined with his end-of-year press conference.

The restoration of new regions is proceeding at a good pace, they are becoming self-sufficient, the president said, adding that the Russian authorities are paying a lot of attention to Mariupol that sees a construction boom as the city's population is growing at a rapid pace.

"There will be enough [forces and resources in Russia], there should not even be any doubt about it. We have a huge program for the restoration and development of these territories," Putin added.

Russia Has People in Ukraine to Report on Potential US Supplies of THAAD Missiles

If the United States supplies THAAD anti-ballistic missile systems to Ukraine, Russia will learn all the details from people on the ground, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"If the Americans decide to deliver it, let them deliver, let them deliver THAAD... We will ask our guys in Ukraine to give us a hint about what modern solutions may be valuable for us. When I say 'our guys', I am not being ironic. We have people to talk to in Ukraine. There are many of our guys there, who dream of liberating their country from the neo-Nazi regime just like we do," Putin said.

Russia Became Stronger in the Last 2-3 Years

Russia has truly become sovereign, we will make decisions based on national interests, Putin said.

Russia is becoming a truly sovereign country, dependent on few and able to confidently stand on its feet in the economic sphere, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"I believe that Russia has become much stronger over the past two to three years. Why? Because we are becoming a truly sovereign country, we are dependent on few, we are able to stand on our own feet from an economic point of view," Putin said.

Photo: Kremlin.ru

Putin Says Will Have Something to Discuss If He Meets With Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he is ready to talk and meet with US President-elect Donald Trump at any time.

"I am ready for this [conversation] at any time. I will also be ready for a meeting, if he wants it," Putin said.

Vladimir Putin said that if his meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump takes place, the two presidents will have something to talk about.

"And if one day there is a meeting with the newly elected president Mr. Trump I am sure we will have something to talk about," Putin said.

Boris Johnson Pushed Kiev to Continue Waging War in 2022; Ukrainians are Fighting and Dwindling in Number

Boris Johnson, who served as the UK's prime minister in 2022, convinced Kiev to continue fighting, but soon there will be no more people willing to do so, Putin said.

Almost All NATO Countries at War With Russia

Almost all NATO member countries are at war with Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"Almost all NATO countries are at war with us," Putin said.

For NATO countries, 3% of GDP for military spending may not be enough if the cost of products continues rises, the president added.

Putin on Murder of General Kirillov: Such Crime Committed in Dangerous Way for Many

The assassination of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the head of the Troops of Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defense of the Russian armed forces, is a crime committed in a way that is dangerous for many, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"On the murder of General Kirillov... This is a murder committed in a way that is dangerous to the lives of many," Putin said.

Putin Says US Journalists Work Freely in Russia Despite Persecution of Russian Media in US

US journalists work freely in Russia despite the persecution of Russian media in the United States, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"Despite all the persecution of our press [in the US], we allow you to work in Russia. And you do it freely. That's good. You and the people who pay your salaries in the United States would like to see Russia in a weakened position. I have a different point of view. I believe that Russia has become much stronger over the last two to three years," Putin told an NBC reporter during the annual "Direct Line" question-and-answer session combined with his end-of-year press conference.

Russian Air Transportation Industry Working Stably

The air transportation industry in Russia is operating stably, 111 million passengers will be transported this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Our transportation industry works very stably, successfully. Last year, they transported, I think, 105 million passengers, this year, there will be 111 million passengers," Putin said.

Russia Expects Peace in Syria Despite Difficult Situation

The situation in Syria is not easy today, but Russia expects peace to be established and maintains relations with all groups in the country, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"The situation today is not easy, of course, in the Syrian Arab Republic. We really expect peace and tranquility to come there. We maintain relations with all the groups that control the situation there, with all the countries in the region," Putin said.

An overwhelming majority of Middle Eastern countries are in favor of Russian keeping its military bases in Syria, Putin also said, adding that Moscow would have to think about this issue and decide on what would the relations with political forces in Syria look like.

At the same time, Russia has already proposed to its partners in Syria and neighboring countries to use its military bases, including the Hmeimim airbase, for humanitarian aid deliveries.

Photo: Kremlin.ru

Putin Calls Migration Issues Very Sensitive, Acute

Migration issues are very sensitive and acute today, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"This is a very sensitive and acute issue. It is acute not only for us, it is even more acute for Europe," Putin said.

Russia needs to address migration issues together with its neighboring countries, the president said, adding that it is necessary to strengthen migration work within the Ministry of Internal Affairs and create a separate center.

Additionally, the president said that migrants who work in Russia should respect its traditions, noting that law enforcement agencies should monitor this.

Putin Says Russia, China Most Affected Countries of Second World War Aftermath

Russia and China are the two countries the most affected by the Second World War aftermath, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Russia and China are the most affected countries, which achieved victory during the Second World War as a result of the heaviest losses. We used to say 20 million , then 25 million, now some historians say 27 million people killed. The death toll is even higher in China, and there is little talk about it at all. But there are more in China, there are over 30 million. And what the Japanese militarists were doing on Chinese soil is terrible," Putin said.

Russia's Putin Gives Greetings to China's Xi, Calls Him Friend

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his greetings on Thursday to Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling him his friend.

"My very best greetings to the leader of the People's Republic of China, a man I consider to be my friend, President Xi Jinping," Putin said.

Russia-China Relations in Recent Years of Highest Level, Quality

The level and quality of relations between Russia and China are as high as never before in recent years, even though a lot has happened in the history of relations between the nations, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Next year we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. Over these years, a lot has happened in our relations, but in recent decades the level and quality of relations have become such as never before in our history," Putin said at the annual "Direct Line" question-and-answer session combined with his end-of-year press conference.

Russia and China do nothing that contradicts the interests of their countries, while doing a lot that is in the interests of both the Chinese and Russian people, Putin said.

Everything that Russia and China do for each other is based on full trust, the president added.

A large number of joint investment projects between Russia and China show that the future is secure, Putin said.

"We have almost 600 joint investment projects. What does this mean? It shows that the future is secure," the president said.

According to various estimates, the volume of trade between Russia and China is $220-240 billion and continues to grow, Putin added.

Russia Interested in Attracting Highly Qualified Specialists

Russia is interested in attracting highly qualified specialists, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"We are interested in highly qualified workers coming to the country, including those who share our traditional values," Putin said.

Russia, China Almost Always Coordinate Actions in International Arena

Russia and China almost always coordinate their actions in the international arena, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"We very often, almost always, coordinate our actions on the international arena," Putin said.

Cooperation between Russia and China is a very serious element of international life, Putin added.

Putin on 'Russia's Weakness': 'Reports of My Death Greatly Exaggerated'

Russian President Vladimir Putin, commenting on the country's "weakness," quoted US writer Mark Twain, saying that "the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated."

"For those who would like to imagine Russia weakened... I want to remember a well-known person and writer who once said: 'The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated,'" Putin said.

BRICS Isn't Anti-West Bogeyman It's Cracked Up To Be: Putin

BRICS members are “not working against anyone” and have no “adversarial narrative or agenda,” but rather are “working for and in favor of our interests and in the interests of the organization’s members,” Putin said.

Photo: Kremlin.ru

Russian Orthodox Church Being 'Torn Apart' in Ukraine, But World Prefers Not to Notice

The Russian Orthodox Church is being "torn apart" in Ukraine, but the world prefers not to notice this issue, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"What is happening to the Russian Orthodox Church is a unique thing, because this is a gross, simply blatant violation of human rights, the rights of believers, the church is simply being torn apart in front of the whole world... And everyone in the world prefers not to notice it," Putin said.

Russia to Only Sign Peace Deals, Hold Talks With Ukraine's Legitimately Elected Leader

Russia is ready to negotiate with any legitimate leader of Ukraine who is chosen via an election, including with Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"If any person goes to the polls, gets legitimacy, we are ready to talk to this person, including Zelensky," Putin said.

Russia will sign any peace documents only with a legitimate Ukrainian leader as this is a formal legal issue, Putin added.

"If we ever get to the point of signing the [peace] document, we can sign it only with representatives of legitimate authorities. That's all," the president said.

Meanwhile, the executive authorities and the power bloc appointed by the illegitimate head of Ukraine are also becoming illegitimate, Putin said.

Russia has no preconditions for starting negotiations with Ukraine, Vladimir Putin said.

"Now, the conditions for starting negotiations [with Ukraine]: we have no preconditions," Putin said.

Russia is ready to negotiate with Ukraine on the basis of the Istanbul agreements, taking into account the situation on the ground, Putin added.

Putin Deems Demography One of Top Priority Issues for Russia, Many Other Countries

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that demography is among the top priority issues for Russia and many countries.

"The issue is extremely important. This issue is one of the key issues for Russia. Well, not only Russia, you were right to say that the demography issue is vital for a lot of countries,' Putin said.

Putin pointed out that in Soviet times the birth rate growth was 2%.

"We had it at a certain period, a few years ago, where the birth rate amounted to 1,7%. Unfortunately, it has decreased to 1,41%. Of course, this is very low," Putin added.

Putin Points to [Daria] Dugina's Murder and Assaults on Reporters as Evidence of Kiev Regime's Terrorist Agenda

Kiev regime has conducted numerous terrorist attacks against Russian civilians, including in the Kursk region, which have never been condemned by the Western media.

Israel Turns Out to be Key Winner From Syrian Crisis

Russia condemns the seizure of any Syrian territories by Israel, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"One can treat what Israel is doing as you like. Russia condemns the seizure of any Syrian territories. This is obvious, our position here is not subject to any adjustment. But Israel is also solving security-related issues for itself," Putin said.

Russia hopes that Israel will withdraw from the territory of Syria one day, but now it is transporting troops there, and looks like strengthening positions, Putin said.

"After all, the main beneficiary of the ongoing events in Syria... The main beneficiary, in my opinion, is Israel," Putin added.

In addition, Putin called for solving the Kurdish problem with the authorities that control the territory of Syria.

Absence of Palestinian State At Core of Mideast Problem

Russia remains committed to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, President Vladimir Putin said.

"Our position is well-known, both on Lebanon and on Palestine. Our position is not affected by current events. We have always believed and continue to believe that the Palestinian problem can only be solved by addressing its root cause. The UN Security Council once agreed that two states - Israel and Palestine - should be established. Israel has been created, while Palestine has in fact not been created yet. That's the whole problem," Putin said.

The Russian president said that he was unaware of Israel’s ultimate goals in the Gaza Strip, but stressed that its action deserved condemnation.

Putin Says in Constant Contact With Erdogan

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he was in constant contact with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, adding that they discussed the situation in the Middle East during their last conversation.

"We are in constant contact with President Erdogan, I don't remember when we last spoke, but we certainly discussed the situation in the region, in the Middle East," Putin said.

Putin on YouTube Slowdown: Probably More Questions on Platform's Side Than on Russia's

There are probably more questions on the side of the YouTube video hosting service than on Russia's, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, commenting on the platform's slowdown.

"Regarding YouTube's slowdown, there are probably more questions on YouTube's side than on our side," Putin said.

YouTube violated the laws of Russia, in connection with which Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor presented the company with justified claims, the president said.

Commenting on the situation with US tech giant Google, Putin said that the company created problems for itself to work in Russia, noting that the company and YouTube, in particular, must comply with Russia's laws.

Google must choose for itself whether to comply with laws for working in Russia, the president said.

Photo: Kremlin.ru

Putin Calls Agriculture One of Key Industries in Russia

Agriculture is one of the key industries in Russia and it is developing, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Agriculture is one of the key sectors of Russia's economy. I have already said that it is developing at a good pace: 3% per year. We cannot but be pleased with what is happening in agriculture," Putin said.

Russia will harvest 130 million tonnes of grain this year, the president said.

"We are among the three largest exporters to the food market, and we occupy first place in the world in terms of wheat," Putin said, adding that Russia has a great export potential in agriculture.

Putin Says Russia Feels Certain Sympathy From Italian Society

Russia feels certain sympathy from Italian society, and the feeling is mutual, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Even despite what is happening today, we feel that in Italian society there is a certain sympathy for Russia, just as we have a certain sympathy for Italy," Putin said.

Putin Hopes Russian Central Bank's Decision on Key Rate Will Be Weighted, Meet Realities

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that the Russian Central Bank's upcoming decision on the key rate would be weighted and correspond to today's realities.

The Bank of Russia's Board of Directors will hold its last meeting of the year on the key rate on December 20.

"I hope that it [the Central Bank's decision on the key rate] will be weighted and correspond to today's realities," Putin said.

Putin added that Central Bank head Elvira Nabiullina had not revealed to him the regulator's upcoming decision on the key rate.

"She doesn't tell me what the rate will be. She herself probably doesn't know yet, because they discuss it at the board of directors, in their 'Komsomol cell,' and make the final decision in the course of the discussion," the president explained.

Putin Says Need to Think About Regions That Will Be Threatened by Melting of Permafrost

Russia and the world need to think about population of regions that will be threatened by melting of permafrost, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"If it [permafrost] melts, then the coastal regions of Russia, they may also be under threat. Firstly, we have entire villages, cities on stilts, which are driven into the permafrost. There is already something cracking. That is what we have to think about. And our coastal cities, including even St. Petersburg? Do you understand? We have built a dam, which we have dreamed of since the time of Peter the Great, but we must think about what will happen next with coastal cities," Putin said.

Putin: Decision Made in February 2022 Should Have Been Reached Sooner

Russia should have made the decision to launch the special military operation earlier, President Vladimir Putin said.

"If I could look at the situation in 2022, knowing what is happening now, I would have thought that the decision that was made in early 2022 should have been made earlier. That's the first thing. And second, knowing this, we should have just started preparing for these events, including for the special military operation," Putin said.

The decision to launch the special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022 was forced on Russia, Putin said.

The last two years since the start of the special military operation have been a serious test for the entire country, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"But these three years, of course, more than two, of course, they were a serious test for all of us, for the whole country and for me," Putin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that over the past 2.5 years he has started to joke and laugh less.

"I started joking less and almost stopped laughing," Putin said at the annual "Direct Line" question-and-answer session combined with his end-of-year press conference, answering a question about how he has changed over the past 2.5 years during the special military operation.

Putin Says Biden Not to Be Blamed for Pardoning His Son

Outgoing US President Joe Biden turned out to be more human, than politician, when he decided to pardon his son Hunter Biden, and should not be blamed for it, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

“He [Biden] is a politician. And it is always important what is more in you: a politician or a human. It turned out that Biden is more human, I would not blame him for that,” Putin said.

Photo: Kremlin.ru

Ukraine Can Only Exist With Support of Western Partners

Ukraine can only exist with the support of its Western partners, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"It [Ukraine] can exist only with support from the West, not just fight — exist," Putin said.

‘We Don't Need Any Ceasefire; We Need Lasting Peace,’ Says Putin

Putin emphasizes that the Russian Armed Forces must continue their advance, preventing the Ukrainian army from having the opportunity to prepare. He argues that any ceasefire would allow Ukraine the time needed to regroup effectively.

Ukraine is led by godless people with no roots. "They are ethnic Jews, but has anyone seen them in a Synagogue? I don't think so. They are not Orthodox either, because they are never present at a Church, and for sure they don't follow Islam…

Sanctions Create Problems for Russia, But They Will Not Be Able to 'Kill' It

Sanctions create problems for Russia, but they will not "kill" it, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Do they [sanctions] hinder us or not? They do. Do they create problems? They do. Will they be able to shut it all down and kill us completely? No, they will not. They will cause us some damage and harm, but we will certainly get out of this situation, just as we will get out of other situations involving energy supplies," Putin said.

Western countries are afraid of competition, that is why they impose sanctions against Russia, Putin said, adding that he does not count the sanctions that are being imposed against Russia.

Russian Forces Advancing Forward, Ukrainian Units Unable to Secure Positions

The Russian armed forces are advancing forward, while the armed forces of Ukraine are unable to secure positions where they are retreating, President Vladimir Putin said.

"Our military is moving forward. And the enemy cannot secure those positions to which they have withdrawn today, right at this minute They withdrew in an organized manner, but they can't get a foothold there, our guys go forward again tomorrow, and so on and on and on," Putin said.

There is an "exhaustion" of Ukrainian forces and military equipment, Putin added.

"Some battalions of the Ukrainian military have 35-40% of the personnel," Putin said, adding that the authorities are going after Ukrainians "like stray dogs" and throwing them into battlefields.

The Russian soldiers see on the battlefield that the Ukrainian military lacks training, the president added.

Energy Needs for Global Economy Up, Russia to Increase Share in Global LNG Market

Energy needs for global economy are growing, Russia will increase its share in the global LNG market, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"The need for energy resources from the point of view of the development of the global economy, they still continue [to grow], the need is growing, it will grow, this is not our data, this is data from global economic institutions. And this product will simply be in demand on global markets, we will continue to do this, and we will increase our share on global LNG markets," Putin said.

The president also reminded that Ukraine refused to extend the gas transit contract, saying that this is not Russia's problem.

"This contract will not happen, everything is clear now ... we will survive, Gazprom will survive this," Putin added.

Putin: Not Only Did I Protect Russia, We Are No Longer On The Edge of The Abyss’

Putin Won't Be Fully Satisfied Until Russian Soldiers Return Home from the Frontlines.

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