Confident in victory: ISW analysts have analyzed Putin's statements on a "straight line"

It is noted that during 2022 Putin tried to avoid detailed discussions of hostilities in Ukraine. In addition, last year, the President of the Russian Federation did not hold the straight line for the first time since 2012. Analysts say that against the backdrop of successful Russian defense measures in Zaporozhye and an uncertain situation with the help of Ukraine from Western partners, Putin has confidence in Russia's success in the war against Ukraine.

However, during the event, the President of the Russian Federation was unable to say how Russia would achieve victory and how it should look. He also did not propose a new approach to war. The report states that many statements made on December 14 were only template statements. Also, the Russian president did not give up his maximalist goals in this war and answered that they include "denacification", "demilitarization" and "neutral status of Ukraine".

Analysts say that under the "denacification" Putin urges to change the Ukrainian government to Russia acceptable for Russia. In addition, the President of the Russian Federation did not explain what changes in the Ukrainian army will mean "demilitarization". Among other things, the aggressor country wants Ukraine to abandon its plans for NATO and EU accession. On December 14, Vladimir Putin declared his unwillingness to participate in negotiations with Ukraine.

In his opinion, peace will come only after Russia has achieved its goals. ISW says that the goals of the Russian President are equivalent to the complete surrender of Ukraine and the West. Analysts also point out that Russia returns to its rhetoric, which was observed even to a full -scale invasion. In particular, it is about not recognizing the sovereignty, territorial integrity of Ukraine and the statement about the occupation of new territories of Ukraine.

Thus, at his press conference, the President of the Russian Federation stated that historically, Russia has controlled the entire Black Sea region, and it seems to have nothing to do with Ukraine. Among other things, Putin stated that the number of Russian soldiers involved in hostilities in the territory of Ukraine is much larger than the officials of Russia recognize. In this way, he is likely to try to take the fears of the Russians to mobilize and demoralize Ukraine and its Western partners.

Analysts say that Vladimir Putin touched the situation on the Left Bank of Kherson region, but did not discuss the offensive of his troops in eastern Ukraine. He also tried to convince the Russians that despite the sanctions and consequences of the war, the Russian economy remains stable. We will remind, on December 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the great loss of the Russian army in the war from Ukraine.