Russian President Vladimir Putin held a news conference, the first formal news conference since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, stating that there will be no peace until Russia achieves its goals in Ukraine, Associated Press reports.
The four-hour long event, focused on Ukraine and domestic issues, featured questions from ordinary citizens alongside journalists. Putin provided rare details about Moscow’s “special military operation” in Ukraine, highlighting the success of Russian forces and declining Western support for Kyiv.
The news conference raised concerns about another wave of mobilization, but Putin insisted there was no need for a second wave of mobilization, citing a steady recruitment of volunteers, and claimed that 617,000 Russian soldiers are in Ukraine.
The session touched on international topics, including Putin’s desire to reach a deal with the US regarding detained individuals and addressing the situation in Gaza.
