Putin: “I Should Have Invaded Ukraine Sooner”

In a surprising admission during his annual televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed regret over not invading Ukraine earlier. He emphasized that Russia’s military is the most prepared in the world and signaled his readiness to continue the war into 2025.

During the extensive press conference, which lasted over four hours, Putin declared that Russia had grown much stronger in recent years, becoming less dependent on other nations. He also defended Russia’s role in Syria, brushing off claims that the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad represented a strategic loss.

Putin acknowledged the personal toll the war has taken on him, remarking, “I almost stopped laughing.” He also refrained from predicting when the conflict would end, describing the situation as unpredictable and complex.

Despite the heavy losses—over 700,000 Russian casualties—Putin insisted that Russia holds the initiative across most of the front, including in Donbas. He concluded his address by proudly posing with a banner from an airborne brigade actively fighting in Ukraine, reinforcing his belief in Russia’s military dominance.

Putin’s statements reflect his commitment to continue the war, suggesting that the conflict is far from over and tensions will only escalate further.