Hidden clue shows Vladimir Putin’s intentions for seized territory in Ukraine during annual press conference: Live updates

Vladimir Putin has vowed to take leaders to court over plans to give his country’s assets to Ukraine, while insisting that Russian money used by the EU must be repaid.

The plan was to use some of the £180.5 billion worth of Russian assets frozen in Europe, mostly in Belgium.

But EU leaders have failed to resolve differences with Belgium that would allow them to use frozen Russian assets to raise funds.

Full translation of what Putin said about the EU plan:

Making decisions about stealing other people’s money isn’t easy. But there are more serious consequences for those who try to do so. This is not just a blow to the image; In this case, it also undermines confidence in the eurozone, because, of course, not only Russia but many countries store their gold and foreign exchange reserves in the eurozone.

In addition to image losses, direct losses may also occur regarding the fundamental foundations of the modern financial world order. So it’s not easy. And most importantly: No matter what they steal and how they do it, eventually they will have to give it back.

Putin’s set of speeches appeared to include some pretty pointed messages about disputed territories at Friday’s press conference.

There’s a huge map of Russia hanging behind him as he gives his address, but on the far left side are outlines of Crimea as well as all but four of the eastern Ukrainian regions that Russia annexed in 2022: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

Russian forces have not yet captured all of these regions, but the Russian leader claimed that these regions belonged to him.

Putin said Russia’s conditions for ending the war in Ukraine have not changed from those it put forward in June 2024, and that US President Donald Trump has not shown any signs of compromise as he makes intense efforts to resolve the dispute.

The Russian leader said that he did not see the Ukrainian side ready to reach a peace agreement, but that there were “certain signals” about entering into dialogue.

“The only thing I want to say is that we have always said: We are ready and willing to end this conflict peacefully, based on the principles I outlined at the Russian Foreign Ministry last June and by addressing the root causes that led to this crisis,” Putin said. he said.

Commenting on the European Union’s decision to cancel a plan to use frozen Russian assets to support a loan to Ukraine, Putin called the initiative a ‘robbery’ and promised that Moscow would defend its interests in the courts.

Speaking at the year-end press conference, Putin said that the EU plan had failed because it would have ‘grave consequences for the robbers’.

Putin praised his army’s advance in Ukraine, saying: ‘Our troops are advancing along the entire line of contact… the enemy is retreating from all directions.’

‘I am sure we will witness new successes before the end of this year,’ he added.

Earlier this week, Putin said he would seek to expand Moscow’s gains in Ukraine if Kiev and its Western allies reject the Kremlin’s demands.

Vladimir Putin told Russia he does not believe Ukraine is ready for peace talks.

He said Russia was ‘ready and willing’ to end the conflict in Ukraine peacefully in 2024, based on the principles it laid out at the State Department.

The annual news conference joins a nationwide call-in program that offers Russians across the country the opportunity to ask questions of Putin, who has led the country for 25 years.

Putin used this to consolidate his power and make his views known on domestic and global issues.

This year, observers are watching Putin’s statements regarding Ukraine and the US-backed peace plan.