About Merkel
Putin noted that former German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s remarks about the Minsk agreements were signed to buy valuable time and to strengthen Ukraine, which raised questions about trust between Russia and the West.
“This is disappointing. Frankly, one wouldn’t expect to hear that from the former Federal Chancellor. There was an assumption that German leadership was sincere with us. Now trust becomes an issue. And trust, of course, is close to zero, but after such statements the question remains: how to negotiate something? And is it possible to negotiate with someone? And where are the guarantees? That is the question,” stated the President of Russia.
At the same time, he expressed confidence that Western countries would have to negotiate with Moscow anyway. Putin added that Russia is ready and open to such agreements.
About faith in words
During the press conference, a journalist asked Putin what information can be trusted about the course of the military operation and the problems faced by military personnel.
“It was said that the military’s problems have been resolved. Yet the front line reports from soldiers continue to arrive. Appeals go to military commissars and volunteers. They do not only want uniforms; they also require medicine, as supplies run out quickly. Who should be believed: reports from the Ministry of Defense or the frontline fighters?” the journalist inquired.
In response, Putin said that trust cannot be placed in anyone else. “Only I can do it,” he added, noting that work with the Ministry of Defense remains ongoing to resolve these problems.
On social media, some claimed his remarks echoed lines from Müller in the TV series Leonid Bronevoy’s “17 Moments of Spring.” The cited quote about counterintelligence underlines a sentiment that trust in the present time is fragile, even toward oneself, but the discussion continues.
About Ilya Yashin (recognized as a foreign agent in the Russian Federation)
Journalist Andrey Kolesnikov asked the president to comment on the decision to sentence politician Ilya Yashin to 8.5 years in prison on December 9 for broadcasting about events in Bucha, Ukraine and for spreading alleged false information about the Russian army. Kolesnikov asked whether the president found the wording cruel. Before answering, Putin asked who Yashin was.
“You know, as the saying goes, if it looks that way, one should be baptized. My education was at the Leningrad State University, and I find it unacceptable to interfere in court activities or to question a court decision,” the author replied.
He added that Russia provides legal avenues to protect rights, including appeals in higher courts. He expressed confidence that Yashin’s lawyers know how to proceed.
About mobilization and special operations
Putin stated that there is no reason for new waves of mobilization in the special operations zone. Rotation of mobilized personnel is possible, he noted.
“Today there are no such factors. As I said, 300,000 were called during mobilization. About 150,000 remain in the group, roughly half of them in combat units. The rest occupy second or third lines or are in additional training, which is the role of regional troops,” Putin explained.
He added that another 150,000 are in training centers and training areas as a reserve. There is no immediate need for additional mobilization.
“The operation continues as planned. Everything is stable, and there are no current problems,” he told reporters. He cautioned that resolving disputes will not be easy.
“The resolution process as a whole will probably take time. All participants will have to adapt to the evolving realities on the ground.”
About booth change
Commenting on the exchange of Brittney Griner for Viktor Bout between Russia and the USA, the President emphasized that the security services of both nations handle such matters.
“The exchanges were managed by the FSB from the start, negotiations were conducted, and the results you’ve learned were reached. Contacts continue through the agencies, and they have never stopped,” Putin explained.
He did not exclude the possibility of further prisoner exchanges between Moscow and Washington. He framed these exchanges as a search for compromise, with Russia prepared to make concessions when needed.
About the oil price ceiling
Putin called the $60-per-barrel cap on Russian oil, imposed by the EU and G7 countries, a “stupid” decision that would primarily affect Western consumers. He expressed confidence that the Russian budget would not suffer.
“The issue is not about us alone; it concerns the global energy situation. We are already selling at these prices, so there is no need for concern about the budget.”
He warned that marginal prices for Russian oil would deter investments in the energy sector, potentially triggering a rise in energy prices globally.
“This will eventually lead to a sharp increase in prices and a destabilization of world energy markets. It is a poorly thought out and uncalculated move,” Putin said, signaling possible retaliatory measures against the price ceiling in the coming days.
About the Crimean bridge
Putin also announced that on December 5 he crossed the Crimean bridge to personally inspect progress on repairs after the terrorist attack.
“I wanted to support the builders and acknowledge their rapid, high-quality work. I wanted to see firsthand how it was done.”
He pledged full repair of the automobile section by the end of March next year and the railway portion by mid-summer.
* Ilya Yashin is recognized as a foreign agent by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation.