Putin's Unyielding Determination: The War in Ukraine Continues

In a four-hour question-and-answer session, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his determination to continue the war in Ukraine until his goals are achieved, including the "de-Nazification" of Ukraine, its demilitarization, and its neutral status. Putin dismissed the possibility of negotiations and asserted that Ukraine remains at full existential risk. The war in Ukraine, now approaching its eighth year, has seen Russia's recent localized offensive operations and increased attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. As winter sets in, Ukraine's summer counteroffensive is nearing failure, and support from the West is waning. The Q&A session served as a campaign event for Putin, who confirmed his intention to run for a fifth term in the upcoming presidential election. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy sought to garner support from skeptical U.S. lawmakers during his visit to Washington. The future of U.S. aid to Ukraine, including military assistance, remains uncertain as Congress may adjourn without passing a package that includes over $60 billion in aid.