Putin Defends Russia at Annual Press Conference

During his annual year-end conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin confidently asserted that he has 'pulled Russia back from the abyss,' while mocking Britain's economy and defending his leadership in the face of criticism regarding Russia's military operations in Ukraine. He faced tough questioning from BBC editor Steve Rosenberg, who highlighted the significant challenges Russia faces, including high inflation and NATO's expansion. In a separate incident, former president Dmitry Medvedev threatened staff at The Times, labeling them 'legitimate military targets' after the newspaper described the assassination of a Russian general as a legitimate act of defense by Ukraine. The UK government condemned Medvedev's comments as 'desperate rhetoric' and emphasized the importance of a free press. These events underscore the increasing tensions between Russia and the West amid ongoing military and diplomatic conflicts. Putin's defiance and Medvedev's threats reflect a broader narrative of hostility and defensiveness from Russian leadership as they contend with external pressures.