Fri Dec 20 00:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Putin Denies Syrian Defeat, Vows to Meet Assad, and Offers Ukraine Missile Test
**Moscow, Russia** – Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted Thursday that Russia’s involvement in Syria was not a defeat following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, claiming Russia had achieved its goals of preventing the creation of a terrorist enclave. Speaking at his annual end-of-year press conference, Putin stated he had not yet met with the deposed Syrian leader, who fled to Moscow, but plans to discuss the situation, including the fate of missing US journalist Austin Tice, with him soon. Putin also revealed that Russia evacuated 4,000 Iranian fighters following the regime change. He further emphasized Russia’s continued relationships with various factions in Syria and confirmed that many regional actors support the continued presence of Russian military bases, offered for “humanitarian purposes.”
Regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, Putin expressed willingness to discuss a compromise with US President-elect Donald Trump, offering to meet at any time. He also boasted about the capabilities of Russia’s hypersonic “Oreshnik” missile, suggesting a provocative test launch targeting a Ukrainian location, challenging Western air defenses to intercept it. Putin’s comments come amidst ongoing international tension surrounding the situation in Syria and the conflict in Ukraine.
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