Putin insists Russia-Ukraine peace only possible if root of conflict addressed

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that a peace deal in Ukraine requires addressing the root causes of the conflict.

"We need to eliminate the root causes of the conflict to ensure that such things do not happen again in the future and that a long-term, sustainable, and sustainable peace is created. This is what we will strive for," Putin said, quoted by TASS, Friday, December 19.

In his year-end press conference, Putin said Moscow's forces were advancing on the battlefield in Ukraine. He reiterated his belief the Kremlin's military goals would be achieved nearly four years after he ordered troops into the neighboring country.

Speaking at a year-end news conference, Putin said Russian forces had "completely seized the strategic initiative" and would make more progress by year's end.

At the start of the 2022 conflict, Ukrainian forces managed to thwart a larger and more well-equipped Russian army's bid to seize the capital Kyiv.

But the battle soon turned into a gruelling battle, and Moscow's forces have made slow but steady progress over the years. Putin has often boasted of this progress - though it has not been the lightning advance many expected.

"Our troops are advancing along the contact line, faster in some areas or slower in others, but the enemy is retreating in all sectors," Putin said, quoted by the Associated Press, Friday, December 19.

Putin, who has ruled the country for 25 years, has used the moment to consolidate his power and deliver his views on domestic and global affairs.