Putin: Russia went to Syria to fight terrorism; Israel’s actions are condemned

According to Isna, the annual conference of Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on the country’s military operations in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Russia, began today Thursday, and also a question and answer session by journalists will be broadcast on TV under the title “Results of the Year”. During this event, citizens can ask the president their questions.

It has been reported that more than 2 million questions have been asked of the Russian president about the economy, foreign policy, the Ukraine war, sanctions and other issues.

The Russian economy is growing

According to the report of Rasha Today, during the last press conference of 2024, the President of Russia first stated: “Despite controversial questions, we will start with the issue of the economy, and everything, including stability and military and defense power, depends on the economy.”

Regarding the economy, inflation and employment in Russia, he said: “Inflation in Russia is a warning sign, but nevertheless, the Russian economy is growing. Also, the unemployment rate in Russia has reached the lowest level of 2.3%. It should be noted that the situation in the Russian economy is generally stable and reliable, and in 2025 the GDP growth will be 2-2.5%.

While comparing his country with the United States and European countries, President Putin said: “During the last 2 years, the Russian economy has experienced a growth of almost eight percent. By comparison, the US economy grew by 5-6%, while Europe as a whole grew by only 1%. Germany, as the leading economy in Europe, has not had any economic growth and it is zero percent.

Putin said that only America, China and India are economically higher than Russia.

He considered this economic growth to be the result of “Russian domination”.

Putin also considered the withdrawal of foreign companies from Russia to “encourage the development of Russian business”.

President Putin admitted about the price increase in Russia: “Supply does not match demand.” Average inflation varies and some areas are affected more than others. “Also, price growth in Russia is related to harvest, global prices and sanctions.”

“Everything is evolving and everything is actively moving forward,” Putin said, referring to his country’s growing situation. “If the European region has fallen asleep, there are other centers of global development and they are moving forward.”

Russian forces are pushing the enemy out of the Kursk region

Following the conference, the President of Russia said about his country’s military operations in Ukraine: “The situation of Russia’s special military operations is changing dramatically, and Russian forces are moving forward daily across the front line. Russian forces are taking control of the regions and the capabilities of the Russian armed forces are increasing. On the other hand, the Russian forces are pushing the enemy out of the Kursk region.”

Putin said that the Russian forces are “heroes” and said: “The time of war is difficult and all our forces, who are heroes, are present there. We have no doubt that Kursk will be liberated soon, and Ukraine is deploying its best offensive units as cannon fodder in the Kursk region. “I imagine when the enemy will be pushed out of the Kursk region, but I cannot give a specific date.”

At his annual conference, Putin displayed the flag of the Russian Pacific Fleet, which was presented to him by soldiers of the 155th Marine Brigade.

He further thanked the Russian soldiers who are fighting for this country.

The Russian president said: “Russian soldiers often send me souvenirs. Of course, I must say about the damage caused to the Kursk region that we will restore all the damages and injuries to Kursk. “In addition, the number of armored vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region that were destroyed exceeded the number of vehicles destroyed last year.”

I personally participated in the decision making for the production of Urshaniq

The President of Russia called his country’s new medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile called “Orshnik” a “modern weapon”.

In this regard, he added: “Orshnik was created based on previous Russian projects that have been finalized, and I myself participated in the decision to produce Orshnik.” This missile was produced based on the latest research of experts and is very modern and unique compared to Western systems that are obsolete.

Putin invited the Westerners to a duel regarding the Orshnik missile and said: “This missile will not be intercepted by the West.” Poland and Romania have 24 new missile defense systems on combat duty, but the new interceptor missiles in Poland do not reach Orsnik. There is no opportunity or chance to shoot down or destroy the Orshanik missiles easily. Let the Western experts determine the target of Orshanik’s attack in Kiev and deploy defense systems there, we are ready for this and we will see what happens; “This will be a high-tech duel.”

In response to a question about why the name of this missile, Orshnik means “hazel tree”, Putin said: “To be honest, I don’t know!”

We updated the nuclear doctrine to identify and respond to the threat of countries

Following the question-and-answer session about Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which the country announced to update recently, the Russian president said: “I don’t know if the West has correctly understood Russia’s changes in its nuclear doctrine. We updated the nuclear doctrine to identify and respond to the threat of nations. Also, this issue highlights the fact that Russia will do anything to ensure the security of Belarus.”

He said that “Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty or existence is threatened.”

Putin also said that most NATO countries are at war with Russia.

Russia has enough power and resources to revive all its historical lands

Regarding the recapture of his country’s territories during the Ukraine war, President Putin stated: “Russia has enough power and resources to restore all its historical territories. Russia also has the resources to revive the Donbass and a road map for reconstruction is ready. “We also have plans to build highways in new territories.”

In this regard, he added: “21,000 facilities have been renovated in new areas, and another 20,000 facilities must be renovated in the next five to six years. “The reconstruction of the new areas is progressing at a good pace and they are self-sufficient.”

Regarding the future plans of his country, Putin said: “There is a very good and already implemented start for this issue. We plan to build a ring road around the Sea of ​​Azov, which has become the inland sea of ​​the Russian Federation. And this will be the Taurida road in Crimea, which is a four-lane traffic, and it starts only from Taganrog to Mariupol. “This is a small area of ​​40 kilometers, but planning is underway around the entire Sea of ​​Azov.”

Referring to the oil tanker accident in the Kerch Strait, the Russian President said: “After the oil tanker accident in the Kerch Strait, all measures must be taken to remove the oil from the coast. If necessary, the group of the Ministry of Emergency Situations will be deployed to eliminate the consequences of the emergency situation of this accident.

I have not seen Asad yet

Regarding the arrival of “Bashar Assad” in Moscow after the fall of his government in Syria, Putin stated: “I have not yet met with Assad after his arrival in Moscow, but I intend to do so.”

“I promise to ask Assad about the fate of Austin Tice, the American journalist who disappeared in Syria,” he added.

Regarding the developments in Syria, Putin emphasized: “What is happening in Syria is not a defeat for Russia. Russia came to Syria 10 years ago to prevent a terrorist siege there and achieved its goals. Also, Russia had no ground forces in Syria, only military bases. Russia should consider whether to maintain its military bases in Syria or not. “Russia can also use military bases in Syria to provide humanitarian aid.”

The Russian President said: “We achieved our goal in Syria, we did not allow the creation of ISIS and we did not allow terrorists to gain power there. The situation in Syria today is not easy, Russia expects peace there. We are in contact with all the groups.”

He also said that Russia transferred four thousand Iranians from Syria to Tehran.

I am ready to talk with Trump

Regarding the meeting with Donald Trump, President Putin said: “I am ready for a conversation and I will meet with Trump at any time, but I have not spoken with Trump for more than four years.”

“I have a different view,” he said in response to a question from an American NBC reporter who asked if he would be a weaker leader when he met President Trump. I believe that Russia has become much stronger in the last 2 or 3 years. We are becoming a truly independent country. “You and the people who pay your salaries in the United States would very much like to put Russia in a weak position.”

BRICS is not a tool to confront the West

The President of Russia said regarding questions about BRICS: “BRICS is not a tool to confront the West. “Many countries are interested in the development of BRICS because all decisions in this bloc are made by consensus.”

He also said: “BRICS is not a tool to confront the West.” We are not working against anyone, we are working for our own interests and for the interests of the member countries of this bloc. We also do not create any conflicting agenda within the framework of BRICS.

We are ready to compromise with Ukraine, but the other parties are not ready

Regarding the end of the conflict in Ukraine, Putin openly stated: “We are ready to compromise with Ukraine, but the other parties are not ready.”

He answered this question: “We have always said that we are ready for both negotiation and compromise. Only the other side refused to negotiate. We are always ready for this. The result of these negotiations is always a compromise. Boris Johnson, serving as British Prime Minister in 2022, convinced Kiev to continue the war, but soon there will be no more people willing to do so.

Regarding the possibility of peace negotiations with Ukraine, the Russian president emphasized: “Russia has no preconditions for starting negotiations with Ukraine.” But the executive and security officials appointed by the illegitimate president of Ukraine lose their legitimacy. “Russia is ready to negotiate with Ukraine based on the Istanbul agreements and taking into account the situation on the battlefield.”

He also referred to the end of Zelensky’s presidency and said: “I am ready to negotiate with any legitimate leader of Ukraine.” “If elected and legitimized, Russia will talk to Zelensky and Russia will sign peace documents only with the legitimate leader of Ukraine.”

Regarding Ukraine’s illegal actions, Putin added: “The Russian Orthodox Church is disintegrating in Ukraine, but the world prefers not to notice this.”

Krylov’s murder was carried out by Ukraine in a way that is dangerous for many lives

The President of Russia said about the murder and assassination of Igor Krylov, the commander of Russia’s nuclear, chemical and biological defense forces: “The murder of Krylov was carried out by Kiev in a way that is dangerous for many lives. Kyiv authorities have committed similar terrorist attacks, including against journalists. “The West has never condemned such terrorist attacks.”

He said about the presence of Russian journalists in America: “Despite all the harassment of Russian media in America, American journalists work freely in Russia.”

We will increase the army and security forces to 1.5 million people

“The network of military schools was once considered large by military experts and defense departments,” Putin said, saying that he would consider the proposal to revive the military institute of the internal forces of the North Caucasus. For an army the size of Russia at that time, there was no need for many specialists and officers. Now, due to a series of conditions, we are increasing the army and security forces to 1.5 million people. “I can’t say right now that we will do it tomorrow, but I promise you that we will definitely look into it.”

The level and quality of current relations between China and Russia is unprecedented

In this annual conference, the first part of which lasted more than 2 hours, Vladimir Putin pointed out, referring to the relations between Russia and China: “A lot has happened in the history of relations between Russia and China, but in recent years, the level and quality of relations We have never seen it before. Every action of Russia and China is based on complete trust towards each other. Russia and China will not take any action that conflicts with the interests of the two countries. Trade between Russia and China is 220 to 240 billion dollars and this growth continues.

Continuing the same issue, he added: “The joint projects of Russia and China show that the future is safe. Russia and China saw the most influence among other countries after World War II. Russia and China almost always coordinate their actions in the international arena. “I consider the cooperation between Russia and China to be a very serious element in the international arena.”

During the answer to the question of this episode, Putin sent “Hello and greetings” to his Chinese counterpart and called him his “friend”.

I don’t know what Israel’s goals are in the Gaza Strip

In response to another question during this conference, the Russian President said that he is in constant contact with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about developments in West Asia.

He said about developments in the region: “I don’t know what Israel’s goals are in the Gaza Strip, but its actions deserve condemnation.” Israel is also the main beneficiary of what is happening in Syria. I condemn the occupation of Syrian lands by Israel. In addition, Russia is committed to its position on the solution of the Palestinian-Israeli problem, and the independent state of Palestine must be established. “We also hope that Israel will one day withdraw from Syria, but now it is moving there and it looks like it will strengthen its position.”

Putin also called for solving the Kurdish problem with the authorities who control the Syrian territory.

Sanctions cannot kill Russia

In another question about Western sanctions against Russia, Vladimir Putin answered: “The West is afraid of competition, that’s why it imposes sanctions against Russia.” We also do not take into account the sanctions imposed by the West against Russia. Of course, sanctions create problems for Russia, but they cannot kill Russia. “Ukraine can only exist with the support of Western partners.”

In response to the question with whom he would like to have a cup of tea, the Russian president said: “Among those who are alive today, there are friends and close people, but among the world leaders who have passed away, Helmut Kohl, the former prime minister Germany, Jacques Chirac, the former president of France and Silvio Berlusconi, the former prime minister of Italy.

I don’t blame Biden for pardoning his son

The President of Russia said about his father’s pardon of Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden: “It turned out that Biden is more of a person than a politician. “I don’t blame him for that.”

Russia needs lasting peace with reliable security guarantees

Regarding the ceasefire in the Ukraine war, Putin said: “Russia does not need a ceasefire with Ukraine, but it needs a stable peace with reliable security guarantees.” The ceasefire with Ukraine gives the enemy the opportunity to train and strengthen his personnel. It should be noted that Russia agreed to make peace with Ukraine at least three times, but Kiev refused.

While calling the peace initiatives of China, Brazil and South Africa “honest efforts” to find a solution to the war in Ukraine, he said: “These proposals are balanced and do not impose anything on any of the parties to the conflict.”

About the past 2 and a half years since the beginning of the Russian military operation in Ukraine, he said: “The country has passed a serious test and the decisions we made at that time should have been taken earlier. “These decisions were forced because it was impossible for Russia to continue that situation.”

I don’t think Zelensky needs political asylum

At the end of the conference, which lasted 4 hours and 27 minutes, the Russian president said about Zelensky’s fate: “I don’t think he needs political asylum, but he will probably go abroad. Also, if Zelensky suddenly asks for political asylum, Russia will not refuse anyone. “If Zelensky goes abroad, the people whose interests he now serves will take care of him.”

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