Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained that his war aims in Ukraine remain firm, insisting that peace will only be achieved once these goals are met. During his first marathon press conference since the Ukraine invasion, he discussed the progress of the "special military operation," asserting that the situation on the front lines is improving. Putin highlighted that Russia's economy is resilient and that he sees no need for further mobilization given the large numbers of volunteer and contract soldiers joining the ranks.
Putin did not provide casualty figures but noted that persons close to him, including children of his associates fighting with private military companies, have died in the conflict. Meanwhile, a US intelligence report estimated significant Russian military losses.
On the home front, over two million questions from the public were screened for Putin to address. He suggested that Ukraine's recent military advancements in the east are desperate and mainly to secure more Western aid, forecasting a decline in support for Ukraine.
In contrast, NATO's Jens Stoltenberg and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of broader consequences should Putin succeed. While Putin claimed Russian forces had the upper hand, he also expressed a willingness to re-engage with the US under conditions of mutual respect.
Regarding the detention of Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan in Russia, Putin indicated ongoing difficult discussions for a potential swap. Additionally, he seemed to acknowledge the suppression of opposition figures within Russia, amidst the ongoing imprisonment of prominent critic
Alexei Navalny whose team reported no recent access to him.