Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, December 19 (Xinhua) — Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the annual "Year in Review with Vladimir Putin" program in Moscow on Friday. The Russian leader summarized the results of 2025 live on air and answered questions from Russian and international media, as well as inquiries from Russian residents.
The combined direct line and press conference of the Russian president lasted 4 hours and 27 minutes. During this time, Vladimir Putin answered more than 80 questions regarding the Ukrainian settlement, the state of the Russian economy, social issues, and the international agenda. According to the organizers, the head of state received more than 3 million questions, which, according to TASS estimates, was a record.
RUSSIA IS READY FOR PEACE WITH UKRAINE IF THE ROOT CAUSES OF THE CRISIS ARE ELIMINATED
Vladimir Putin devoted the first 20 minutes of his press conference to the situation on the Ukrainian front. He noted that Russian troops in the special operation zone are advancing in all directions, and the strategic initiative has completely passed into their hands. At the same time, the Russian leader emphasized that Moscow is ready and willing to end this conflict peacefully, while addressing the root causes of the crisis. "We are ready and willing to end this conflict peacefully, based on the principles I outlined last June at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and while addressing the root causes that led to this crisis," he said.
Vladimir Putin assured that Russia very much desires to live in peace and without military conflict next year. He also noted that US President Donald Trump is making serious efforts to end the conflict, which, in the Russian leader's view, is done with complete sincerity.
The Russian President recalled that at the Russian-American summit in Anchorage, Russia had essentially agreed to US proposals and declared its willingness to make certain compromises. "Therefore, to say that we reject anything is absolutely incorrect and has no basis," Putin added, expressing hope for a long-term, lasting, and sustainable peace with Ukraine.
THE RUSSIAN ECONOMY STRUGGLES FOR QUALITY
Summing up the country's economic development, Vladimir Putin noted that Russia's GDP growth in 2025 was 1 percent, and over three years, 9.7 percent, which is significantly higher than in Europe. "What happened in our economy over the past year? GDP growth is 1 percent, but if we take the last three years into account, this is also quite accurate, and the overall growth is 9.7 percent. At the same time, growth in the eurozone was 3.1 percent," he said.
According to the Russian leader, the slowdown in Russia's GDP growth is a deliberate price to pay for maintaining the quality of the economy and macroeconomic indicators. "As for the economic growth rate this year, these are deliberate actions by the government, the Central Bank, and the entire country's leadership related to inflation targeting," he explained.
Vladimir Putin emphasized that, overall, the goal of reducing inflation is being achieved. "The goal was to reduce inflation to at least 6 percent. But, apparently, by the end of the year, it will be below 6 percent—5.7-5.8 percent," he noted.
The Russian President also indicated that Russia's federal budget deficit will be 2.6 percent this year, but that this figure will fall to 1.6 percent in 2026 and should not exceed 1.5 percent over the next three years, which is a good indicator given the country's low public debt.
V. Putin noted that the Central Bank of Russia's international reserves are also currently growing, and now amount to $741.5 billion.
The Russian leader also cited data showing that real wage growth has been maintained at a good pace—up 4.5 percent over the year. Furthermore, the unemployment rate, already at a historically low, has fallen even lower to 2.2 percent. According to Vladimir Putin, these are very good indicators.
THE WEST PICTURES RUSSIA AS AN ENEMY
Commenting on relations with Western countries, Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is ready to work with them, but only if they treat each other with respect. "We are ready to work with you. With Great Britain, with Europe as a whole, and with the United States. But on an equal footing. With mutual respect," he said.
The Russian President dismissed claims that Russia is planning to attack Europe as "nonsense." He said the West itself created the current conflict in Ukraine and continues to "escalate the situation." "They constantly say they are preparing for war with Russia," Putin noted, adding that Russia is not at war with the West, but rather that Western countries are fighting Russia through Ukrainians.
The Russian leader assured that there would be no new special operations if Russia is treated with respect and not "cheated." "There will be no operations if you treat us with respect. If you respect our interests, just as we have always tried to respect yours. If you don't cheat us, as you did with NATO's eastward expansion," he noted.
V. Putin also stated that the West is portraying Russia as an enemy in order to “cover up the mistakes that have been systematically committed by many Western governments over a number of years, both in the economic and social policy spheres.”
RELATIONS BETWEEN RUSSIA AND CHINA ARE A FACTOR OF STABILITY IN THE WORLD
Responding to a Xinhua reporter's question about the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Chinese-Russian strategic partnership and cooperation, as well as the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation between China and Russia, which will be celebrated in 2026, Vladimir Putin called Russia-China relations "a significant factor in global stability." "Our relations, as I have said many times and want to emphasize again: Russian-Chinese relations are a significant factor in global stability," he said.
The Russian leader noted that trade turnover between the countries, according to various estimates, reaches approximately $240-250 billion, and bilateral cooperation is developing in a wide range of areas, including high-tech manufacturing, science, education, humanitarian ties, and space exploration. "We are cooperating, and this is an indicator of the trust between our countries and the level of that trust," Putin said.
He also emphasized that Russia and China regularly cooperate militarily. "We also regularly cooperate militarily, conducting joint exercises, strategic air patrols, at sea, and with the participation of ground forces," the Russian leader added.
Vladimir Putin also drew attention to Russia-China cooperation on the international stage. "Our foreign ministries are in constant contact and coordinate their agendas. I hope that in this spirit, we will develop relations with our Chinese friends in the near and distant future," he said, noting specifically that he values Chinese President Xi Jinping as a reliable friend and stable partner for Russia. "This is the most important foundation for the development of our Russian-Chinese relations," the Russian president stated.
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