Putin Summarizes Military and Economic Outlook fr 2025, Hopes for Peace in 2026

In Moscow, an annual televised direct line with President Vladimir Putin, combined with a major press conference, brought together journalists and citizens against the backdrop of ongoing fighting in the special military operation zone and renewed discussions in the European Union about confiscating frozen Russian assets.

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org by Kremlin.ru, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Vladimir Putin (2025-12-02)

Strategic Initiative on the Battlefield

"Immediately after our troops pushed the enemy out of the Kursk region, the strategic initiative fully and completely passed into the hands of the Russian Armed Forces. Our troops are advancing along the entire line of contact — faster in some areas, slower in others, but everywhere the enemy is retreating.”

Situation in the Special Military Operation Zone

The president reported the capture of Seversk, calling it a key settlement that opens operational routes toward Sloviansk, one of the main fortified areas in the region.

"Krasny Liman will be taken in the very near future. Fifty percent of the city is already under our control. From there, the movement will continue further south, toward Sloviansk.”

He also described the capture of Krasnoarmeysk as a significant operational success, calling it a strong staging area for future offensive operations.

Prospects for the Coming Months

"I am confident that before the end of this year we will witness new successes by our Armed Forces and our fighters on the line of contact.”

Situation in Kupyansk

Vladimir Putin stated that Kupyansk had been under Russian control for several weeks and described the encircled Ukrainian grouping as substantial.

"There are about fifteen battalions there — roughly 3,500 personnel. They have not received an order to lay down their arms. Practically, they have no chance.”

On Zelensky's Video Near Kupyansk

"He is an actor — a talented one, without irony. We remember his films. But the stele is about a kilometer away from the city. Why stand on the threshold? Come inside the house, if Kupyansk is really under their control.”

Ukrainian Losses and Negotiation Prospects

The president said Ukraine had suffered severe losses in its strategic reserves, calling this a factor that should encourage Kyiv to resolve disputes through peaceful means.

Economic Growth and Inflation

According to the president, Russia's GDP grew by 1 percent in 2025, while cumulative growth over the past three years reached 9.7 percent.

"This slowdown is a conscious decision — the price paid for preserving the quality of the economy and macroeconomic stability.”

Wages and Budget Stability

Putin said real wages continued to grow and emphasized that the federal budget had been successfully balanced at a level comparable to 2021, calling this a key indicator of financial stability.

Veterans Returning to Civilian Life

"Participants in the special military operation are no worse than veterans of the Great Patriotic War. Many have already become governors, deputy ministers, and leaders in major companies.”

Frozen Russian Assets

"This is not theft — theft is done secretly. What they are trying to do is robbery. Open robbery. But it is difficult because the consequences for the robbers could be very serious.”

He warned that confiscation would undermine trust in the eurozone and the global financial system, adding that Russia would defend its interests through legal mechanisms.

Drones, Recruitment, and Military Staffing

The president said Russian forces surpass the enemy in drone numbers across most sectors and confirmed that over 400,000 contract soldiers joined the Armed Forces during the year.

Fraud Prevention and Public Safety

"As soon as someone starts talking about money or property, hang up immediately. Never discuss such matters with anyone.”

Demography and Taxes

Putin acknowledged declining birth rates as a challenge shared by developed nations and reiterated that the long-term goal of tax policy remains lowering the overall tax burden.

On Peace and Respect

"We want to live in peace. We are ready to work with Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States — but on equal terms and with mutual respect.”