• Putin claims Russian troops are advancing in Ukraine and will achieve military goals.
• The Russian president criticizes the EU's proposal to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine.
• Putin warns of "severe consequences" if the EU follows through on the asset proposal.
• The Kremlin insists on maintaining military pressure while discussing peace negotiations.
• Putin downplays the state of the Russian economy, asserting it remains stable despite sanctions.

During an annual press conference in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin declared that Russian troops are advancing across the battlefield in Ukraine, emphasizing that Moscow would achieve its military objectives unless Kyiv concedes to Russian demands in peace talks. Putin stated, "Our troops are advancing all across the line of contact, faster in some areas or slower in some others, but the enemy is retreating in all sectors," as he projected confidence in a successful military outcome by year's end, according to SCMP, Le Monde, and LA Times.

Putin's optimistic assertions were paired with criticisms of the European Union's proposal to utilize frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s military efforts, labeling the plan "robbery." He warned that following through on such a proposal could lead to "severe consequences" for Europe, as it would threaten investor confidence and reflect poorly on the EU’s image, according to SCMP and Le Monde.

In response to concerns regarding the ongoing war’s economic impact, Putin sought to downplay the severity of Russia's economic challenges. He claimed that the Russian economy remains stable, particularly when compared to sluggish growth in Europe. However, critics point out that despite these assurances, Russia has experienced severe sanctions and inflation, pushing the economy toward a recession, according to Le Monde and LA Times.

As fighting continues, Putin conveyed that the initiative for peace rests in the hands of Western leaders and Ukraine, insisting that Moscow had shown a willingness to accept compromises. The Russian president criticized the West while emphasizing that negotiations must address the "root causes" of the conflict, which he ties to NATO's presence in Eastern Europe. He reiterated his conditions, demanding that Ukraine abandon NATO ambitions and recognize Russian territories, as per reports from SCMP, Le Monde, and LA Times.

The annual press conference showcased a tightly controlled environment, with heightened security measures around central Moscow. More than three million questions were reportedly submitted by citizens, indicating significant public interest in the conflict and its resolution. Although the majority of inquiries focused on domestic issues, the ongoing military operations in Ukraine captured much of the discussion, highlighting the Kremlin's effort to maintain public support amid a protracted and costly war, according to SCMP and LA Times.