Putin Reveals Russia's Unyielding Goals in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated during a year-end news conference that he will not end the war in Ukraine until his goals are achieved, which include de-Nazification, de-militarization, and a neutral status for Ukraine. Putin also dismissed the need for a second wave of mobilization in Russia, stating that there are already 617,000 Russian soldiers in Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of Russian-Chinese relations and addressed concerns from Russian citizens. The press conference was seen as an opportunity for Putin to address domestic issues and solidify his power ahead of the upcoming presidential election.