Putin: West's air defenses have 'no chance' against Russian ballistic missile

Summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual press conference in Moscow, where he discussed various topics, including Russia's military advancements in Ukraine, the assassination of a general, and his upcoming conversation with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad regarding an American journalist kidnapped in Syria. Despite setbacks, Putin claimed Russia's military strength is now the strongest in the world. He also expressed interest in resuming talks with President-elect Trump, preferring this over relations with President Biden. Putin's speech, lasting over four hours, focused on foreign policy, military strength, and global positioning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Putin's annual press conference lasted 4 hours and 31 minutes, discussing various domestic and international issues.
• 😀 Putin claimed Russian troops are making gains on all front lines in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
• 😀 Despite the assassination of Russian General Kirov, Putin stated that Russian troops' progress in Ukraine continues.
• 😀 Putin mentioned he had yet to speak to former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, though they plan to discuss the kidnapping of American journalist Austin Tice.
• 😀 Putin described Russia as much stronger and more sovereign compared to two or three years ago, claiming that Russia's military capability is the strongest in the world.
• 😀 He reiterated that the conflict with Ukraine is a 'special military operation' and not a war, and stated that Russia's goals are close to being achieved.
• 😀 Putin challenged the West, proposing a duel to test the efficacy of Western air defenses against Russia's medium-range nuclear-capable missiles.
• 😀 Regarding Syria, Putin downplayed the impact of Assad's downfall on Russia, asserting that the relationship with China is strengthening.
• 😀 Putin acknowledged a lack of communication with President-elect Trump for the past four years, but expressed openness to working with his administration.
• 😀 The Kremlin expressed preference for dealing with President-elect Trump over President Biden, citing the negative impact of sanctions on US-Russia relations.

Q & A

What key points did Putin make during his annual press conference regarding the war in Ukraine?

Putin claimed that Russian troops were making gains across all front lines in its conflict with Ukraine. He described Russia as becoming much stronger over the past two to three years, citing improved sovereignty, economic resilience, and a stronger military capability. He also reiterated that the primary goals of the 'special military operation' were close to being achieved.

How did Putin describe Russia's military capabilities?

Putin stated that Russia's military capability was now the strongest in the world. He emphasized that this strength, including advancements on the front lines, was a result of Russia's enhanced defense potential and sovereign status.

What challenge did Putin present to the West regarding missile defense systems?

Putin challenged the West to a duel by proposing that Western nations, including the U.S., place their best air defense systems in a location such as Kyiv. He then suggested firing a medium-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile toward it to see if Western air defenses could stop it, claiming that the missile could not be stopped by current Western defenses.

What did Putin say about the assassination of Russian General Kirov?

While Putin did not go into specific details about the assassination of General Kirov, he acknowledged that it was a significant event, contributing to tensions in the conflict. However, he did not allow this setback to diminish Russia's strategic outlook.

How did Putin respond to questions about Syria and Bashar al-Assad?

Putin was asked about the decline of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. Despite the loss, Putin denied that Russia was weakened by it. He also mentioned that he had not yet spoken to Assad since his regime fell, but he did plan to discuss the matter, particularly concerning American journalist Austin Tye's kidnapping in Syria.

What were Putin's thoughts on his relationship with President-elect Donald Trump?

Putin mentioned that he and President-elect Trump had not spoken in the past four years. However, he indicated that Russia was open to resuming talks with the incoming Trump administration. He noted that dealing with Trump would likely be preferable for Russia than continuing relations with President Joe Biden due to ongoing sanctions and deteriorating ties under the Biden administration.

Did Putin indicate any willingness to engage in diplomacy with the West?

Yes, Putin stated that he was open to discussions and compromises with the West, but always on Russia's own terms. He framed Russia as standing firm in its position and highlighted the importance of maintaining national sovereignty and military strength.

What did Putin say about Russia’s economic situation?

Putin claimed that Russia’s economy was strengthening despite external pressures. He emphasized that Russia was becoming more self-sufficient and resilient to Western sanctions, positioning the country as more independent in the face of global challenges.

How did Putin address the situation in Ukraine during his press conference?

Putin discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as part of his annual update. He claimed that Russia’s military was making progress, and he characterized the situation as part of a larger effort to secure Russia’s sovereignty and strengthen its position in the world, despite continued international opposition.

What did Putin’s speech reveal about Russia’s relationship with China?

Putin spoke positively about the growing relationship between Russia and China, noting that it was strengthening. He portrayed this alliance as a counterbalance to Western influence and emphasized that Russia's partnership with China was vital for Russia’s future security and economic stability.