Thu Dec 19 17:11:54 UTC 2024: ## Putin Open to Talks with Trump, Admits Uncertainty on Kursk Recapture
**Moscow, December 19, 2024** – Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his willingness to meet with President-elect Donald Trump at any time, welcoming Trump’s suggestions of a swift Ukraine peace deal. However, during his annual end-of-year press conference, Putin acknowledged uncertainty regarding the timeline for reclaiming the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched an incursion in August. While claiming Russian troops hold the upper hand in the conflict, he admitted he could not provide a date for the return of evacuated residents.
Putin’s press conference, a televised event often lasting several hours, also addressed Russia’s economic challenges, including inflation and labour shortages stemming from the war. He attributed some inflationary pressures to Western sanctions, criticizing the central bank for its response. He reiterated a potential strike on Kyiv using Russia’s new hypersonic missile, Oreshnik, proposing a test to demonstrate its capabilities.
The Russian president condemned the recent assassination of a senior Russian general in Moscow as terrorism, criticizing security service failures. He also dismissed claims that the situation in Syria represents a defeat for Russia, stating that their goals in the country have largely been achieved. He plans to meet with the former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad soon. Putin further criticized Israel’s role in Syria, calling for the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
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