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Putin begins his annual mega press convention by saying he’s ‘prepared and keen’ for peace talks and bragging of Russian advances in Ukraine

Vladimir Putin has declared he is ‘ready and willing’ for Ukraine peace talks in his annual end of year press conference.

Putin said Russian troops were advancing across the battlefield in Ukraine, voicing confidence that the Kremlin’s military goals would be achieved.

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Putin – Ukraine isn’t ready for peace talks

Vladimir Putin has told Russia he does not believe Ukraine ⁠is ready for peace ​talks.

He said ‍Russia ​was ‘ready and willing’ to end the ‍conflict in ‍Ukraine peacefully, based on principles he said ⁠he had set out at the ⁠Foreign Ministry in 2024.

The annual news conference is combined with a nationwide call-in show that offers Russians across the country the opportunity to ask questions of Putin, who has led the country for 25 years.

Putin has used it to cement his power and air his views on domestic and global affairs.

This year, observers are watching for Putin’s remarks on Ukraine and the US-backed peace plan.