Putin predicts victory in Ukraine conflict: 'God is with us'

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed unwavering confidence in Russia's triumph in its conflict with Ukraine, asserting that divine support is on Moscow's side. Speaking to reporters on Thursday after attending the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (SEEC) meeting in St. Petersburg, Putin’s remarks stirred fresh debate amid ongoing speculation about US mediation efforts.

When asked whether Russia would secure victory by 2025, Putin said, “I believe in God. And God is with us.” His comments come as reports surface of a US proposal to "freeze" the conflict along current front lines in exchange for delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership.

Putin dismissed the idea, recalling that a similar proposal had been made by outgoing US President Joe Biden in 2021. “At that time, we told the US such a deal was unacceptable to Moscow,” Putin said.

Russia's priorities for 2025
The Russian leader reiterated that Moscow’s top goal remains achieving success on the battlefield while addressing key domestic issues. “We are striving to end the conflict,” he said, but stressed the importance of military, economic, and social objectives. “We believe that we will be successful on the front line and accomplish our objectives in the field of the economy, as well as resolve social issues, the issues of military security, and security in the broadest sense.”

Trump's ceasefire vision
Adding a new layer to the geopolitical landscape, US President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine within hours of taking office. While Trump has yet to outline the specifics of his proposal, American media reports suggest it could involve freezing territorial control for both sides.

However, both Moscow and Kiev have rejected the idea of an unconditional ceasefire. Putin emphasized that Russia remains committed to advancing its plans, signaling little interest in halting the conflict on US terms.

As the war drags on, the conflicting visions for its resolution—ranging from Putin's battlefield-driven objectives to Trump's proposed negotiations—highlight the deep divides shaping the global response to the Ukraine crisis.