"Putin's Perspective on Odessa and the Russia-Ukraine War"

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated during his year-end news conference that Russia will not accept a "frozen conflict" in Ukraine and reiterated his goals of denazification, demilitarization, and a neutral status for Ukraine. He emphasized that Russian forces are improving their position along the entire line of contact and ruled out another mobilization. Putin also claimed that the southern part of Ukraine, including Odessa, has always been Russian territory. Meanwhile, the US and EU are working on a new strategy to support Ukraine, with the US considering deploying military advisors and the EU exploring options to provide financial aid. The conflict in Ukraine is expected to continue, with both sides preparing for a prolonged stalemate.