Russian President says he regrets not invading Ukraine earlier, in his year-end press conference

In his annual end-of-year press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin reflected on Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, the state of the nation, and its international standing, offering new insights on several key issues.

Putin admitted that, with the benefit of hindsight, Russia should have been better prepared for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which he continues to call a “special military operation.” He suggested that more “systemic preparation” was necessary before launching the offensive. This admission comes nearly a year after Russia escalated its eight-year-long conflict with Ukraine, which began in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and support for separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. Despite this acknowledgment, Putin insisted that Russian forces were making steady progress on the frontlines, calling his troops “heroes.”

During the four-hour press conference, Putin addressed a wide range of topics, including Russia’s foreign relations and domestic concerns. He touted Russia’s regained “sovereignty” under his leadership, claiming the country was on the brink of losing its independence during the chaotic years of Boris Yeltsin’s presidency. In contrast, he argued that Russia today stands in a much stronger position.

The Russian president also weighed in on the situation in Syria, where the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad seemed imminent earlier this month. Putin dismissed any notion that the fall of Assad’s regime represented a defeat for Russia, though he acknowledged the “complicated” nature of the situation. He confirmed that Moscow was in talks with Syria’s new leadership to maintain strategic military bases along the Mediterranean coast, with potential plans to use them for humanitarian purposes.

On the topic of U.S. relations, Putin noted that he and President-elect Donald Trump had not spoken in four years, but he was open to meeting with him if Trump desired. The Russian leader brushed off suggestions of weakness, citing American writer Mark Twain’s famous quote, “The rumors of my death are much exaggerated,” to laughter from the assembled press.

Turning to Russia’s relationship with China, Putin described bilateral ties as being at their strongest point in history. He said that Moscow and Beijing were closely coordinating on the global stage, emphasizing the deepening partnership between the two nations.

Throughout the press conference, Putin presented an image of a confident Russia, unyielding in the face of international pressure, and committed to its goals in Ukraine. Despite acknowledging some challenges, he showed no signs of backing down from his aggressive policies.