Yevgeniy Lyulin Commented on the Results of the Direct Line of the President

Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual Direct Line session, addressing key domestic and international issues. During the event, he confirmed that Russia’s military operation in Ukraine would continue until all objectives are met. The session also covered economic policies, inflation forecasts, and upcoming negotiations with the US.

Putin began by reaffirming Russia’s stance on Ukraine, stating that the special military operation would persist until its goals are fully achieved. He also expressed openness to negotiations, praising former US President Donald Trump’s peace efforts while noting Kyiv’s lack of engagement.

On economic matters, Putin described recent tax increases—including a higher VAT and a recycling fee on imported cars—as temporary measures. He highlighted Russia’s economic growth of around 10% over the past three years, despite sanctions, contrasting it with the EU’s slowdown. Inflation is expected to stay below 6%, though the Central Bank’s key interest rate remains at 16%.

Yevgeny Lyulin, Speaker of the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Legislative Assembly, later summarised the session’s outcomes. He emphasised Putin’s direct involvement in national priorities and responsiveness to both domestic and external challenges. Among the announcements was an expansion of support for large families, removing means-testing requirements.

Meanwhile, negotiations between Russia and the US on Ukraine are set for this weekend in Miami. Russian delegates, led by Kirill Dmitriev, will meet with American representatives, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The discussions follow a peace plan developed in Berlin with Ukraine and European allies. Separate US-Ukraine talks are also planned for Friday and Saturday, focusing on security guarantees and territorial issues. Ukrainian teams are already travelling to the meetings, which President Trump described as promising but complex on December 18-19, 2025.

The Direct Line session outlined Russia’s economic resilience and ongoing military commitments in Ukraine. With negotiations scheduled in Miami, the focus now shifts to potential diplomatic progress. Putin’s remarks and policy updates signal both continuity in Russia’s approach and a willingness to engage in talks under specific conditions.