Putin Boasts of Progress in Ukraine War and Issues Hypersonic Missile Challenge to U.S.
In a recent annual news conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that Moscow is advancing towards its primary objectives in the ongoing war against Ukraine, sparking international concern with a provocative challenge to the United States regarding a missile duel featuring Russia's new Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile. The event, held live on state television, was largely an exhibition of Putin's grip on Russia's political and economic landscape, even as he glossed over the profound economic damage inflicted by Western sanctions following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The tightly controlled press conference took place on December 19 and was heavily dominated by questions about the war, with Putin boasting about advancements by Russian forces along the front lines in Ukraine. While he did not clarify what he meant by achieving primary goals, he has previously articulated a desire for Ukraine's 'denazification,' demilitarization, and establishment of a neutral status as preconditions for peace. These assertions, however, are met with skepticism as they are rooted in Russia's claims that Ukraine is governed by radical nationalists and neo-Nazi factions, allegations that Kyiv and Western nations categorically reject.
Despite boasting of success, Putin acknowledged uncertainties regarding the timeline for Russia to reclaim full control over the western region of Kursk, which Ukraine had offensively seized in August. 'We will absolutely kick them out,' he declared, yet added, 'the question of a specific date, I’m sorry I cannot say right now.'
Under Putin's leadership, there has been a marked drift towards authoritarianism in Russia, a trend that has become more pronounced since the 2018 election. The opposition, increasingly marginalized, has faced severe repression, with notable incidents such as the death of prominent critic Aleksei Navalny in prison this year, underscoring the regime's tightening grip.
The constitutional amendments passed in 2020 have further bolstered Putin's power, allowing him to seek two additional six-year terms. Having achieved a landslide victory in the March elections—widely criticized and deemed fraudulent by the international community—Putin, now 72, could potentially remain in power until 2036, surpassing the tenure of Soviet leader Josef Stalin.
When discussing weapons at the press conference, Putin issued a defiant statement—suggesting a cooperative missile experiment wherein Moscow and Washington would select targets protected by U.S. defense systems, potentially allowing Oreshnik missiles to be launched at them. 'We’re ready for such an experiment,' Putin declared.
On November 21, Russia utilized the Oreshnik missile in a strike targeting the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, a retaliation prompted by Ukrainian assaults using U.S.-supplied ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles. Analysts, however, have expressed skepticism regarding the Oreshnik's efficacy, suggesting that its launch was more a display of political posturing than a demonstration of military strength.
In a commentary on the missile strike, Ruth Deyermond, a senior lecturer at King's College London, suggested that the dramatic missile display signals a recognition of limitations in Russia's ability to escalate the conflict as threatened.
Putin's continued references to potential nuclear escalation and his recent provocative missile challenge reflect a volatile period in international relations, further complicating an already tense landscape as the conflict in Ukraine drags on.
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