via BBC:
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said peace with Ukraine will only take place “when we achieve our objectives”.
He was fielding questions from journalists and ordinary Russians in his first marathon news conference since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
Much of the largely choreographed event focused on what he calls the “special military operation in Ukraine”.
He insisted the situation was improving throughout the front line.
The “direct line” programme, televised for more than four hours by most major channels, began with President Putin telling Russians: “The existence of our country without sovereignty is impossible. It will simply not exist.”
He added that Russia’s economy was strong for a time of war and the topic of conversation quickly moved to Ukraine.
Zelensky 11th hour plea is bullshit. Ukraine can not defeat Russia. Do not waste $60 Billion more.
JD Vance — ‘These people are living in alternate reality. Ukraine can’t win.’
Joe Biden is the ATM machine for Ukraine.
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) December 13, 2023
Speaker Johnson holds strong. No deal on Border, no deal on Ukraine.