Putin demands respect from West in year-end remarks
Russian President Vladimir Putin used his annual year-end press conference to demand “respect” from Western countries and reaffirm Russia’s position on global affairs, especially regarding the war in Ukraine and relations with NATO and the European Union. Speaking at a marathon televised event in Moscow that lasted more than four hours, Putin said Russia would refrain from launching further military operations beyond the current conflict in Ukraine if Western nations treated Russia’s interests with respect and acknowledged its security concerns. He repeated long-standing grievances about NATO’s expansion and insisted that his country’s demands must be taken seriously before any future peace or security arrangements can be accepted.
During the event, Putin also criticised Western actions such as attempts to seize Russian assets, characterising such efforts as unfair and reflecting deeper geopolitical tensions with the European Union. While he claimed Russia was open to dialogue and peace negotiations, his remarks made clear that any such process would be based on Russia’s terms, including conditions on territorial and security issues tied to the conflict in Ukraine. Putin’s commentary drew a firm line between what he sees as Russia’s rightful role on the world stage and what he views as Western missteps, emphasising that respect for Russian interests should underpin future relations.
The address highlights Russia’s ongoing strategic posture, with Putin projecting confidence in Russia’s military position and signalling a tough stance on international expectations. His call for respect reflects both domestic political messaging and foreign policy priorities as Moscow seeks to shape global narratives about security and sovereignty.
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