2023-12-29 04:00:13
Excited, optimistic and defiant, Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared before a large group of reporters for a press conference in Moscow on December 14. It was the first time that the Russian leader had answered questions from the press since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022. Every time he was asked about the conflict, he showed no signs that he intended to back down from his objectives.” There will be peace when we achieve our goals. They have not changed. I will remind them of what we talked about: the denazification and demilitarization of Ukraine, and the status of neutrality,” said the Russian. Army is “improving its positions” That same week, the president of Ukraine, Volodmir Zelensky, was circulating in the American capital looking for money. He met with congressmen and President Joe Biden. A group of Republicans refuses to approve a new aid package, worth US$61 billion (equivalent to R$300 billion, at current exchange rates), to the Ukrainian government”Thanks to Ukraine’s success in defending itself, other European nations are protected from Russian attacks. […] It is important to send a strong signal of the unity of Ukraine, the USA, Europe and the rest of the free world”, said the Ukrainian president. A few days later, the Russian leader mocked the situation in the neighboring country. “Today, Ukraine has practically no produces nothing. They are trying to save something, but they produce almost nothing, everything is brought [de outros países] for free. But this free gift may end one day. And apparently it is slowly ending”With the risk of running out of resources, for Zelensky, the year ends with more uncertainty than for PutinThe long-awaited counteroffensive, launched by Kiev in June, came up against a solid Russian defense. Despite the billions on Western military aid, the Ukrainian Army was only able to recover some cities in the south and east. The Ukrainian brigades had been trained by instructors from NATO, the Western military alliance, and had also received equipment from allied countries. After months of a fruitless counteroffensive, Ukraine claimed in mid-November that he had driven the Russian Army back several kilometers on the left bank of the Dnieper River in the southern region of Kherson. In September, Putin said that Kiev had failed, resulting in heavy casualties for the enemyOnly on the night of 13 December, the Russian army launched 42 drones into southern Ukraine. Kiev claimed to have shot down 41 of them, but the magnitude of the attack illustrates the growing military pressure exerted by Moscow. In turn, the Ukrainian Army launched nine drones against Russia, which it claimed had intercepted all of them. Putin also faced problems in 2023. On June 24, fighters from the Wagner mercenary group rebelled and marched towards Moscow. The Russian president denounced the “treason” of paramilitary leader Yevgueni Prigozhin, who ordered his men to return to their bases. Two months later, Prigozhin died in a plane crash, which still raises doubts. Western countries and Ukraine suspect Kremlin involvementWestern sanctions have continued this year but appear to have little impact on the Russian economy. The country has a “sufficient safety margin” due to the “strong consolidation of Russian society,” the “stability of the country’s financial and economic system” and Moscow’s “increased military capabilities,” Putin said. to feel confidence, but also to move forward”, he added. The president said he expected GDP growth of 3.5% this year. “This means that we have achieved and taken a big step forward”, he guaranteed. Moscow continues to sell its oil and natural gas, generating enough revenue to finance the military effort and focus the economy on the production of weapons and ammunition. Facing criticism for aid packages to Ukraine, Biden intends to run for re-election in 2024, further increasing uncertainty for Ukrainians, as his opponent, former President Donald Trump, is a critic of these measures. “The Democrats are about to send another $40 billion to Ukraine, but America’s parents are struggling to even feed their children,” said the Republican in May. Putin, in power since 2000, announced in early December that he will run for re-election in 2024. A victory would keep him in office until at least 2030 — he will have the right to run again that year, which would extend his term until 2036
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