Putin Reflects on Ukraine War, Impact on His Personality, and Comments on Biden's Pardon of Hunter

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an end-of-year speech delivered in Moscow on Thursday, stated that Russia's decision to launch its "special military operation" in Ukraine could have been made earlier. Reflecting on the nearly three-year-long conflict, Putin admitted, "We should have prepared systematically for it," indicating his belief that the groundwork for the invasion should have been laid before February 2022.

The war, which has significantly exceeded initial Russian expectations, has altered Putin’s demeanor. "I joke less and have almost stopped laughing," he said, acknowledging how the prolonged conflict has affected his outlook.

Turning to international affairs, Putin commented on outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. The Russian leader described the move as a demonstration of Biden’s humanity. “As for Biden, he’s a politician, and it’s always important which side prevails: political or human. It turned out that there was more human in Biden. I wouldn’t condemn him for this,” Putin remarked.

Hunter Biden, the son of the U.S. president, faced legal proceedings over tax offenses and firearm possession charges before receiving a presidential pardon. Putin’s remarks on the matter appeared to signal a rare personal observation of Biden, focusing on the human dimension of the political leader.

As the conflict in Ukraine approaches its third year, the toll of the war continues to weigh heavily on Russia's leadership, with no clear resolution in sight.