In a recent statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured that Moscow would hold back from initiating further military actions against other countries, as long as Russia is treated with “respect.”

During his yearly televised press conference in Moscow, Putin’s comments addressed ongoing concerns among European nations about Russia’s potential as a security threat, according to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

“Will we see new special military operations?” Putin questioned, adding, “There will be none, provided you respect us and our interests, just as we have consistently tried to respect yours.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen speaking at his annual news conference and call-in show at Gostiny Dvor in Moscow on Friday, December 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov)

AFP notes that Putin typically uses the term “special military operation” when referring to Russia’s activities in Ukraine.

He added there would be no further Russian invasions “if you don’t cheat us like you cheated us with NATO’s eastward expansion,” according to the BBC.

The Russian leader also claimed he was “ready and willing” to end the war in Ukraine “peacefully,” though he offered few details suggesting a willingness to compromise, the BBC reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to a reporter’s question during his annual news conference and call-in show at Gostiny Dvor in Moscow Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.  (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

The yearly news conference, which typically runs at least four hours, features questions from reporters and members of the public across Russia. 

More than 2.5 million questions were submitted for this year’s event, which focused heavily on the war in Ukraine, Reuters reported.

Putin also noted during the event that the nation’s “troops are advancing” and expressed confidence that Russia will accomplish its objectives through military means if Ukraine does not assent to Russia’s terms during peace talks, according to The Associated Press.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, thanks a group of volunteers who worked to prepare his call-in show at Gostiny Dvor in Moscow Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

“Our troops are advancing all across the line of contact, faster in some areas or slower in some others, but the enemy is retreating in all sectors,” Putin declared.

As the war drags on, the European Union has just agreed to provide Ukraine with a loan of over $105 billion.