Putin Proposes '21st Century Duel' Amid Talks with Trump and Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
In a striking annual press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed an intriguing blend of military bravado and diplomatic openness. He proposed a dramatic 'duel' between Russia's newly developed hypersonic missiles and Western missile defense systems, suggesting the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as the battleground for this high-stakes experiment. 'Let them choose any facility for us to attack, say in Kyiv. Let them concentrate all their air defense and missile systems there, and we will attack with a missile Oreshnik. We are ready for that experiment,' Putin declared, framing this endeavor as a 'high-tech duel of the 21st century.'
Detailing the capabilities of the Oreshnik missile, Putin boasted about its impressive range of 5,500 kilometers and the complex warhead deployment that ensures its effectiveness against missile defenses. 'The missile shield created by the US is expensive and does little to guarantee the safety of their country,' he stated, emphasizing Russia's advancements to counter such systems.
The atmosphere shifted as Putin tied these military assertions to a potential diplomatic overture, stating his willingness to meet with the newly elected US President Donald Trump at any time. 'If we ever meet with President-elect Trump, I am sure we will have something to discuss,' he remarked, reflecting on the complicated geopolitical relationship between the two nations. Although there is no confirmed date for a meeting, Putin's openness marks a significant moment, hinting at future dialogue amid tensions.
Putin acknowledged the lack of an invitation from Trump to his upcoming inauguration on January 20 but indicated that both leaders would find points of discussion, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Last week, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and emphasized his commitment to ending the war, signaling the importance of this relationship moving forward.
The Russian President also indicated that he is unsure how much longer the war will last but remains optimistic about achieving military objectives. 'Fighting is complicated, so predicting the future is difficult and meaningless,' he stated, underscoring the dynamic nature of the conflict.
When addressing the presence of Ukrainian troops in parts of the Russian region of Kursk, Putin promised their expulsion, although he refrained from providing specific timelines. The Kremlin appears to be focused on reclaiming this territory before Trump's inauguration, highlighting the urgency and complexity of the current military operations.
As the international community watches closely, the proposed 'duel' and potential US-Russia dialogue symbolize a critical juncture in geopolitical relations, with the outcome of every discussion and demonstration of military capability having far-reaching consequences.
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