Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a defiant performance at his annual press conference in Moscow, firmly rejecting any responsibility for the deaths caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine. He insisted that Moscow did not initiate the conflict, placing the blame squarely on Ukraine and Western nations.
Putin's Defiant Stance on War Accountability
The event, held on December 19, 2025, saw President Putin repeat his long-standing narrative. He asserted that the fighting, which began with Russia's full-scale assault in February 2022, was provoked by actions from Kyiv and its allies in the West. When pressed directly by Western journalists on accountability for the war's casualties, Putin refused to accept any culpability for the Kremlin.
Western Journalists Grill Russian Leader
The press conference exposed the growing international pressure on the Kremlin as the war approaches its fourth year. Journalists from major global networks, including NBC and the BBC, posed blunt and challenging questions. Topics ranged from future potential deaths and the prospects for peace talks to issues of power, dissent, and Russia's political future.
One significant point of discussion was a proposed peace initiative linked to US President Donald Trump. Putin's responses to queries about this plan and the overall potential for negotiations were closely scrutinised, revealing the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the conflict.
Implications and Global Reaction
Putin's remarks solidify Russia's official position as the war drags on, showing no sign of diplomatic concession from the Kremlin. The tense exchange with international media underscores the deep rift between Russia and Western nations. The focus on a Trump-linked peace plan also highlights how potential political changes in the United States could influence future dialogue, or the lack thereof.
The conference made it clear that despite the human cost and international isolation, Putin's regime maintains its foundational claims regarding the war's origins, setting a firm stance against growing calls for accountability and a peaceful resolution.
