In the course of the conversation, Putin answered questions regarding the situation in Ukraine, relations with the United States, as well as interaction with India and global issues.
TASS presented key points from the statements of the Russian president.
About the conflict in Ukraine
Putin noted that Vladimir Zelensky, upon coming to power, promised peace but did not fulfill this promise.
He emphasized that Russia did not annex Crimea but came to the aid of its residents and could not have acted otherwise.
The special military operation aims to protect the people in Donbas and Russia's interests.
Russia wishes to end the war, which, according to him, the West unleashed with the help of Ukraine.
At the same time, Russia does not deny Ukraine's right to security, but not at the expense of Russia's interests.
In Putin's opinion, the conflict can only be resolved through negotiations.
Russia will always defend its interests and citizens.
According to the president, Russia did not hinder those residents of Donbas and Novorossiya who did not want to reunite with it from leaving Ukraine.
About interaction with the USA
Putin emphasized that many American companies are eager to return to Russia.
Despite the sanctions, the USA continues to purchase nuclear fuel from Russia, which raises questions when it comes to Indian partners buying Russian energy resources.
In Putin's view, restoring economic cooperation between Russia and the USA would benefit both countries.
The Russian economy is open for business, and Moscow has never imposed additional tariffs, unlike Washington.
In response to a question about Trump, Putin noted that he does not comment on the actions of other leaders, although he believes that Trump seeks a quick resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
He also joked that his meeting with US representatives on December 2 was too lengthy.
About cooperation with India
Putin expressed that Russia values its relations with India and China, calling them close friends.
Cooperation in the energy sector between Russia and India began long before the conflict in Ukraine.
Oil supplies and the production of petroleum products for the Indian market are carried out without delays.
Artificial intelligence is one of the promising areas of joint work.
Russia actively cooperates with India in defense and technology.
The Kudankulam nuclear power plant project demonstrates high efficiency and is the foundation of energy partnership.
Putin added that Russia "fully" supports India in the fight against terrorism.
He expressed hope for the alignment of the national goals of the two countries.
Cultural ties between Russia and India have much in common, the president added.
During the interview, Putin jokingly noted that Indian journalists were following him like intelligence services.
About the Russian economy, politics, and intelligence
The Russian authorities are confident in the stability of the economic situation in the country.
Although Russia continues to use fossil fuels, it is also working on new technologies.
Putin expressed satisfaction with the work of the Russian intelligence services but refrained from assessing the intelligence services of other countries.
Russia does not build cooperation with other states with the aim of uniting against a single adversary.
About the military-industrial complex
The president characterized the T-90 tanks as among the best in the world.
He noted that the significance of high technologies in weapon production has significantly increased.
About historical issues
Putin believes that seeking those responsible for the collapse of the USSR is pointless, as the system proved to be unviable.
According to him, the restoration of the USSR is impossible, and Russia has no such goal.
Western countries use myths about the restoration of the empire to scare their population.
He also reminded that Novgorod was the capital of Ancient Rus before Kiev.
About BRICS, G8, NATO, and the Global South
During a meeting with Witkoff, they discussed Russia's participation in the G8, but no invitations for a return have been received.
Putin noted that the creation of a single currency within BRICS should be approached cautiously to avoid mistakes.
New centers of development are emerging in Global South countries, including India and Indonesia.
Russia insists on the fulfillment of promises regarding the non-expansion of NATO to the east, made in the 1990s.
About the West
Putin characterized the economic situation in Germany and France as complicated, linking it to mistakes in their economic policies.
Western countries accuse Russia of aggression while attempting to solve problems through forceful methods themselves.
About Afghanistan
The current authorities in Afghanistan are working on combating terrorism and drug trafficking.
About the conflict in the Middle East
Russia does not propose a special plan for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, believing that the key to resolution lies in the adopted UN resolutions and the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
About God, life, society, and technology
Putin believes that it is too early to summarize his life.
In response to a question about immortality, he noted that everything has an end, and only God is eternal.
In his view, the struggle for freedom should occur through legal means, and causing harm to people is unacceptable.
The president called for dialogue with the youth and noted the influence of messengers on the younger generation.
Russia respects traditional values, but this does not hinder modern development, Putin emphasized.
When using artificial intelligence, it is necessary to ensure safety and protect human rights, he added.
Putin also called Moscow one of the best megacities in the world.
