Vladimir Putin gave the usual press conference at the end of each year today.

The Russian minister stated that Russia will continue with its war in Ukraineunless Kiev makes a deal that takes Moscow’s security concerns into account, adding that the goals of the “special military operation” will be met in any case.

Answering questions from the public and media at an event dominated by the theme of war, Putin — who has announced he will seek another six-year term in March — said his initial goals in Ukraine have not change and that Russian forces are improving their position along almost the entire front line.

Russia’s main goals remain “de-Nazification,” “demilitarization” and ensuring Ukraine’s neutrality, he said.

“There will be peace when we achieve our goals,” said the 71-year-old veteran leader, who recently announced he would run again.

“As for demilitarization, if (the Ukrainians) don’t want to come to one agreement, then we are forced to take other measures, including military ones. Either we will have an agreement, we will agree on certain parameters (on the size and strength of the Ukrainian army)… or we will resolve this with violence. This is what we are fighting for,” Putin clarified.

The Russian president also ruled out a new wave of conscription, saying it was not needed at the moment.

“The flow of men who are ready to defend our country with weapons in hand is not diminishing. Together with the volunteers, there should be around half a million people. There is no need for [περαιτέρω στρατιωτική] mobilization until today”.

The war in Gaza is a “disaster” that does not compare to Ukraine

Vladimir Putin has described the situation in the Gaza Strip, which is being hammered by the Israeli army as part of its offensive against Hamas, as “catastrophic”, saying it cannot be compared to the situation in Ukraine.

“What is happening is a disaster,” Putin, whose country launched an attack on Ukraine in February 2022, said at his annual televised news conference.

“Look at the special military operation (in Ukraine) and look at what is happening in Gaza and see the difference. There is nothing like that in Ukraine,” the Russian president said.