Moscow, Dec. 19, 2025 — Russian President Vladimir Putin used his annual year-end conference on Thursday to defend Russia’s economic trajectory, reiterate readiness for peace talks over Ukraine, and issue warnings to Europe and NATO over security, sanctions, and potential escalation.
Speaking during a televised question-and-answer session with journalists and citizens, Putin said Russia’s gross domestic product grew by 1% in 2025, but emphasized that cumulative growth over the past three years reached 9.7%. He contrasted this with eurozone growth of 3.1% over the same period, arguing that Russia’s slower pace reflects a “deliberate choice” to preserve economic stability and macroeconomic fundamentals.
Putin sharply criticized discussions in Brussels about confiscating frozen Russian assets, calling such moves “robbery” rather than theft. He warned that any seizure would undermine the global financial system and damage the reputation of those involved. According to the president, all assets would ultimately have to be returned, and Russia would defend its interests primarily through legal means.
On the conflict in Ukraine, Putin rejected claims that Moscow is blocking peace initiatives. He said Russia remains open to negotiations and compromises, adding that the initiative now lies with Kyiv and its Western backers. He stated that Russia would be prepared to halt hostilities if its medium- and long-term security concerns were guaranteed.
Putin also reiterated Moscow’s long-standing calls for a new European security architecture, recalling proposals made even before the collapse of the Soviet Union for a system without NATO expansion. While acknowledging countries’ right to choose their own defense arrangements, he argued that such choices should not threaten the security of others, including Russia.
Turning to Europe’s internal challenges, Putin accused European leaders of using the image of a “hostile Russia” to distract from economic and social policy failures. He questioned the credibility of Europe’s green agenda, pointing to the reopening of coal plants and renewed reliance on nuclear power.
Commenting on the United States, Putin revisited allegations of Russian interference in past U.S. elections, saying investigations had proven there was no collusion. He contrasted this with what he described as open political intervention by European elites, some of whom, he claimed, hope the 2026 U.S. midterm elections could shift the balance of power and increase pressure on President Donald Trump.
Putin argued that Russia and Europe could benefit economically from cooperation, noting that their combined GDP in purchasing power parity terms would exceed that of the United States. He insisted that Russia is “not fighting Europe,” but rather confronting Ukrainian nationalists supported by European states.
Addressing regional security, Putin said he hoped a blockade of Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave would never occur, warning that such a move would trigger an “unprecedented escalation” and could expand the conflict into a large-scale armed confrontation.
He also expressed concern over what he described as aggressive rhetoric from NATO leaders, singling out NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s comments about preparing for war with Russia. Putin noted that Russia is not officially designated as an enemy in the updated U.S. National Security Strategy, calling the discrepancy a sign of irresponsibility among some Western officials.
Concluding his remarks, Putin said Russia remains ready to work with the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States “on equal terms and with mutual respect,” adding that such cooperation would benefit all sides if achieved.