Contents tagged with Putin
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Putin's strategic gamble: persuading Trump to abandon support for Ukraine amid ‘Oreshnik’ missile threats
During his annual year-end press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated his readiness to engage in ongoing talks with former President Donald Trump, yet made no mention of intent to cease the so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine. As the world turns its attention to 2025, speculation arises over the Kremlin’s strategy regarding Ukraine and the West, particularly the U.S.
For the second consecutive year, Putin merged his press conference with the “Direct Line” session, …
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Zelensky criticizes Putin with expletive, sparking diplomatic debate amid ongoing tensions with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sternly criticized Vladimir Putin, going as far as using an expletive against the Russian leader in response to comments about the "Oreshnik" missile. Zelensky's remarks came after Putin's statement suggesting a "technological duel of the 21st century" due to the alleged undetectable nature of the missile.
Zelensky's colorful language, used on social media, was deemed relatable by Ukrainians according to political analyst Igor Reiterovych.
He …
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Putin invites U.S. to 21st century missile duel, testing Russia's 'Oreshnik' against Western defenses in Kyiv
Russian president Vladimir Putin has extended an offer to the United States to engage in a "high-tech duel of the 21st century." Putin suggested testing the prowess of Russia's "Oreshnik" missile system by targeting Kyiv. During a live session combined with a press conference on December 19, he confidently claimed that Western air defense systems stand no chance against such an attack. For those skeptical of his assertion, Putin proposed a "technological experiment":
"If Western experts …
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Putin dismisses Assad's overthrow as Russia’s defeat
Russian president Vladimir Putin does not consider the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad a defeat for Russia, citing internal changes among groups that fought against Syrian government forces. According to Putin, Russia has achieved its goal in Syria by preventing the creation of a "terrorist enclave" there.
"You mentioned Syria. You want to portray everything happening in Syria as some sort of defeat for Russia. I assure you, it is not. And I'll tell you why: we went to Syria 10 years ago to …
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Hungary's 'Christmas Ceasefire' plan rejected by Ukraine amid tensions Over Orban's Kremlin ties
Ukraine has firmly rejected Hungary's proposal to organize a phone call between Prime Minister Viktor Orban and President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Budapest initiative, put forward after Orban's conversations with Putin, aimed at achieving a "Christmas ceasefire" and "mass prisoner exchange," was met with skepticism in Kyiv.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that Ukraine "in an unprecedented diplomatic gesture" firmly but politely declined the call. However, analysts note that …
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Putin quietly honors Russian espionage agents with Order of Courage
Russian President Vladimir Putin has quietly awarded Artem and Anna Dulzev the Order of Courage. The Dulzevs, who returned to Russia on August 1 as part of a prisoner exchange, previously engaged in espionage activities for Russia by posing as Argentine citizens.
The awards bestowed upon the Dulzevs have not been publicly disclosed. However, the media outlet Agenstvo noticed a publication in the "Rassvet" journal. This is the official print edition of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) …
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Kremlin: Moscow open to peace talks on Ukraine, but conditions remain unchanged
Moscow remains open to talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. However, the conditions for a ceasefire were set forth by Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday, responding to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s call for the Russian leader to halt the war and agree to a ceasefire.
"The terms for peace negotiations were articulated by Putin earlier, but Ukraine continues to reject them and has not changed its stance," Peskov noted.
He added …
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Kremlin directs Russian officials to frame war's conclusion as a 'victory'
According to sources from Russian media, the Kremlin has instructed regional officials to brace for the conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine war and to promote a specific "image of victory" among the populace.
In preparation for the war's end, Russian regional officials are reportedly being briefed by the presidential administration. During a seminar for deputy governors hosted by Vladimir Putin's administration in the Senezh Management Workshop near Moscow from November 27 to 30, discussions …
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Russia bolsters military reserves: over 300,000 personnel trained amid ongoing Ukraine war
Russia has reportedly put over 300,000 of its military personnel through intensive training in reserve regiments. These divisions have been pivotal in readying contract soldiers for combat roles against Ukraine, reported the Russian Ministry of Defense.
According to Ivan Buvaltsev, head of the Russian army’s combat training department, more than 300,000 servicemen were trained in reserve regiments this year. These units specifically prepare contracted soldiers for engagements in Ukraine. …
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Putin approves historic budget boost in military spending for 2025-2027
Russian president Vladimir Putin has signed the decree on the state budget for the 2025-2027 period, marking a historic increase in military spending. The document, published Sunday, December 1, on the legal information portal, highlights an unprecedented rise in defense allocations in modern Russia.
In 2025, the expenditure under the "National Defense" category is projected to reach 13.5 trillion rubles ($130 billion), or 6.31% of Russia's GDP and 41% of the country's total expenses. This …