Introduction
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that additional military operations would cease if Russia's interests were respected, denying claims that Moscow intends to attack European countries. These remarks were made during a televised event lasting over four hours, where he addressed questions from the public and journalists.
Conditions for Future Conflicts
During the event, Putin addressed a question regarding future "special military operations" (his term for the conflict in Ukraine), asserting, "There won't be any operations if you treat us with respect, if you respect our interests just as we've always tried to respect yours." He further specified the condition, "if you don't cheat us like you cheated us with Nato's eastward expansion." Putin has previously accused NATO of violating a 1990 promise, a claim denied by late Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
Domestic Event and Public Engagement
The "Direct Line" event, held in Moscow, featured Putin speaking beneath a large map of Russia that included areas of Ukraine currently under Russian control, such as Crimea. Russian state television reported that over three million questions had been submitted.
Public comments displayed on a large screen included references to the event as a "circus," complaints about internet outages, and concerns regarding tap water quality. Mobile internet outages have been attributed by authorities to Ukrainian drone attacks.
Putin also addressed economic topics, including rising prices and an announced increase in VAT from 20% to 22% effective January 1. A public message displayed read: "Stop the crazy rise in prices on everything!" Concurrently, Russia's central bank announced a reduction in interest rates to 16%.
Ukraine Conflict and International Dialogue
The conflict in Ukraine was a recurring theme. Putin reiterated his readiness for a "peaceful" resolution to the conflict but outlined specific demands. These included the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four regions Russia partially occupies and Kyiv relinquishing efforts to join NATO, principles he previously detailed in a June 2024 speech. Russia's stated demands include full control of Ukraine's eastern Donbas, which encompasses approximately 23% of the Donetsk region not currently under Russian occupation.
Putin stated that Russian forces were advancing along the front line in Ukraine. He referenced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the Kupiansk front line, an event where the Ukrainian leader reportedly refuted Russian claims of capturing the town. Putin also called for new elections in Ukraine as part of peace proposals submitted by former U.S. President Donald Trump, offering to cease bombing Ukraine upon the commencement of voting.
Regarding recent military developments, Ukraine's SBU security service reported hitting an oil tanker identified as part of Russia's "shadow fleet" in the Mediterranean. Putin responded that this action would not achieve Kyiv's desired outcome and would not disrupt Russian exports.
Two Western correspondents, Keir Simmons of NBC and Steve Rosenberg of the BBC, were permitted to ask questions. When Simmons inquired about Putin's potential responsibility for Ukrainian and Russian deaths if the Trump peace plan were rejected, Putin described Trump's efforts as "sincere." However, he attributed the blockage of a deal to Western entities, stating, "The ball is in the hands of our Western opponents, primarily the leaders of the Kyiv regime, and in this case, first and foremost, their European sponsors."