Putin press conference: Ukraine, the West and the Russian economy

The following are some of the most essential points that were discussed during the annual news conference and phone-in that Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted in Moscow on Thursday:

REGARDING THE UKRAINE COUNCIL
There will be serenity as soon as we accomplish what we set out to do. Again, let’s return to these objectives; they have not been altered. I’ll bring to your attention the topics we discussed back then: the denazification of Ukraine, the demilitarization of Ukraine, and Ukraine’s neutral position.

In terms of demilitarization, if they do not wish to reach a consensus, then we are compelled to take additional steps, which may include military ones. Or, we will reach a consensus on a set of terminology. During our discussions in Istanbul, we agreed on these. These accords, however, were eventually abandoned. However, we agreed with this. Further options are available, such as agreeing or resolving the issue through coercion. We are going to work hard to achieve this goal.

It would be an understatement to say that our military forces are slowly but surely strengthening their position over the entirety of the front line. The majority of people are now engaged in some form of action. In every respect, the situation of our troops is getting better.

ON THE OPPORTUNITY OF A SECOND DRAWING FOR THE MILITARY
We are not seeing a decrease in the number of guys who are prepared to protect our motherland with their guns in hand. In addition to the volunteers, there ought to be around half a million people. At this point, there is no requirement for mobilization.

“The unbridled desire to creep towards our borders, taking Ukraine into NATO—all of these things led to this tragedy,” said the speaker about relations with the West. The catastrophe that we are currently witnessing is the result of all of these factors, including the violent events that took place in Donbas over the past eight years. They compelled us to carry out these activities.

Regarding what the United States of America dreamed of and arranged, Europe either stood and observed in silence or played and sang together with them there. The question is, “How can we improve our relations with them?”

“The fundamental conditions will be in place to restore fully-fledged relations.” “When internal changes occur (in the United States), when they begin to respect other people and other countries, when they begin to look for compromise rather than trying to resolve their issues through sanctions and military intervention, then the fundamental conditions will be in place to restore fully-fledged relations.” Even though such conditions have not yet been established, we are prepared for them.

“About the so-called “rules-based order,” it is true that there are no such rules. Politics and the short-term interests of those who discuss (such an order) are subject to change daily.

VIDEO OF EVAN GERSHKOVICH, AN AMERICAN REPORTER WHO IS DETAINED
“About the possibility of extraditing these nationals, Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, to their country of origin… You express the question: Why don’t they go back to their country of origin? If this is the case, does it not make sense for them to commit crimes within the borders of the Russian Federation? However, this is nothing but empty bluster. The reason for this is not that we would not accept their return. We didn’t say no to it. Our goal is to agree, and for this to happen, the agreements must be mutually acceptable and suitable for all sides. We have been communicating with our American partners and will continue to have conversations about this topic. I won’t get into the specifics right now because it is difficult. May we be able to find a solution? But I will repeat it: the American side needs to listen to us and make an acceptable and suitable decision for the Russian side.

REGARDING THE OLYMPICS
“Everything that the international bureaucrats are doing to Russian sports goes against Pierre de Coubertin’s idea, ‘O Sport, you are Peace!'”

CONCERNING THE CONTROL OF CAPITAL

“Neither the government nor the central bank knows what is taking place with the sums of money our exporters generate from their exports. “We… have a legitimate desire to glimpse how roubles are accumulated, how they are moved around, where they go, and in what quantities they are found.”

Regarding the Russian Hospital in Gaza

During my trip to the United Arab Emirates, I learned they have established a field hospital close to the Rafah checkpoint in Gaza. During our conversation, we also discussed the possibility of Russia establishing a hospital in the exact location, at a stadium. However, it is essential to note that this would require approval from both Egypt and Israel. I have talked with the President of Egypt, and he favors this concept. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, and I have discussed this matter. They have discussed it with several agencies, and the Israeli side does not support this move. Although they think that establishing a Russian hospital in Gaza would be risky, this does not imply that we would stop making efforts in this direction.

REGARDING THE INTERESTS OF CHINA
“We know and I will simply repeat this, I must repeat this, the level of our ties with China is at an all-time high.”

REGARDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH EMMANUEL MACRON, the President of France
In terms of our professional relationship, we were pretty lovely and friendly… At some point, the president of France severed all contact with us, even though we were prepared to continue our interactions with France.

Although I did not stop, he did. Please let us know if there is any interest; we are prepared. If there is no interest, we will make do with what we have. We do not shy away from these relationships; nevertheless, if European nations, and the president of France in particular, do not wish to speak with us, that puts an end to the matter. We have work to do.

WORTH OF THE ECONOMY
“The most significant indication is the degree of economic expansion. It is anticipated that the GDP growth rate will be 3.5% by the end of the year. This is a positive signal, as it indicates that we have recovered from the previous year’s decline. and that we have made a very significant stride ahead.

“Unfortunately, there has been a rise in inflation. It is anticipated that it will reach 7.5% by the end of the year, with the possibility of a slight increase to 8%; nevertheless, the government and the central bank are taking the necessary measures.