The United States on Thursday criticized the Russian president for reiterating the original objectives of the offensive in Ukraine, as Vladimir Putin made clear that his plans to “conquer and subjugate” that country remain intact.
“What Putin confirmed is that his war plans have not changed, despite the fact that his army has suffered thousands of casualties, the Russian economy has been paralyzed, Russia has become internationally isolated and a pariah.”State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.
The Russian president “Still wants to conquer Ukraine and subjugate Ukraine”he added.
The US diplomatic spokesman also stated that Putin acknowledged “for the first time” since the invasion began in February 2022 that the West will not surrender and will remain united in helping Ukraine.
Miller again urged Republicans in Congress to unblock the military aid package for Ukraine and Israel that they are holding up, aiming to pressure Joe Biden’s administration to adopt tougher immigration policies.
This Thursday, Putin made the end of the war against Ukraine conditional on Moscow achieving the original objectives of the offensive launched almost two years ago, including the demilitarization, “denazification” and neutrality of the neighboring country.
“I remind you of what we talked about: the denazification and demilitarization of Ukraine, its neutrality status”Putin declared at his annual press conference in Moscow, quoted by the French agency AFP.
The solution “will be negotiated or achieved by force,” he stated, ensuring that the original objectives of the offensive launched on February 24, 2022, have not changed.
‘There will be peace when we achieve our goals’emphasized Putin, who recently announced that he would run for a new term in March 2024.
Putin said Russia has enough confidence to “move forward” despite economic sanctions, the war against Ukraine and confrontation with the West.
Asked about the economy’s resistance to sanctions, he said Russia has a “sufficient margin of safety” thanks to the consolidation of Russian society, the stability of the financial and economic system and the country’s “growing military capabilities.”
Source: DN
