Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual ‘Direct Line’ event in Moscow on Thursday during which he addressed a wide range of issues in the marathon Q&A session. From regrets about the timing of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine to blunt comments on global and domestic challenges, the Russian leader offered numerous insights into his thinking. Here are the key takeaways from the event:

Putin: Maybe we should have launched the Ukraine operation earlier

The Russian president acknowledged that it might have been better to have launched the military operation in Ukraine sooner.

“You know, if it were possible to look at the situation in 2022, knowing what is happening now, what would I think? That such a decision, which was made at the beginning of 2022, should have been made earlier,” he said. Putin added that he acted at the time “because it was impossible to stand still and wait for the situation to get worse for us – that’s what it’s all about.”

He said the operation is a necessary step to secure Russia’s national interests, dismissing accusations of aggression.

Moscow ready to talk to Ukraine, but Zelensky needs to be elected

Putin signaled Moscow’s willingness to engage in talks with Ukraine – but with conditions.

“We are ready for dialogue, but if not with the head of the regime, then with whom? If he is illegitimate himself. You know, if someone runs for election [and] gains legitimacy, we will talk to anyone, including Zelensky,” Putin said, implying that Vladimir Zelensky lacks democratic legitimacy due to his having postponed the elections.

He also criticized Kiev’s Western backers for prolonging the war by supplying arms.

Zelensky will likely go abroad

Putin speculated that Zelensky might seek exile, hinting at the potential political fallout in Ukraine.

“He will be supported by the people whose interests he serves today,” the president remarked.

Porn is a global ‘scourge’

Putin addressed what he described as the moral decay caused by internet pornography.

“This is not only our problem, but also the problem of many other countries,” he said. “The answer can be what? In general, you could ban, but you should always offer an alternative that is more interesting than a porn site. So that a person would get in there, open a porn site and say: I’ve already seen this, I want to see something else.”

His comments came amid broader discussions on family values and youth policies.

The demographic issue is one of Russia’s key problems

Putin listed Russia’s declining population as a strategic challenge, blaming economic instability and societal shifts.

“Demographics are a crucial issue for Russia – and for much of the world,” he said. “We need to create conditions where people want to have children.”

He promised more state support for families, particularly in rural areas, but acknowledged progress has been slow.

Migration is an issue acute for Russia

Russia’s labor market is grappling with severe labor shortages, which Putin attributed to a dwindling native workforce and reliance on migrant labor.

“The migration issue is acute,” he admitted, adding that illegal immigration must be controlled while skilled foreign workers are welcomed.

He noted that regional instability in Central Asia has further complicated migration patterns.

Relations with China at all-time high

Putin hailed Russia’s partnership with China as unprecedentedly strong, underscoring its geopolitical importance.

“Our relations with China are at an all-time high – both economically and strategically,” he stated, highlighting joint energy projects and military cooperation.

He dismissed claims that Russia is overly dependent on China, calling the partnership mutually beneficial.

Israel is the big winner in Syria, Russia did not lose

Turning to the Middle East, Putin acknowledged that Israel emerged as a key player in Syria but rejected any notion that Russia had suffered a setback.

“Israel has gained influence in Syria… but we achieved our objectives,” he argued.

“Russia’s presence there has always been about fighting terrorism and stabilizing the region, and keeping down the Islamic State,” he explained. 

Putin reveals no contact with Trump for four years

Putin disclosed that he has not spoken to incoming US President Donald Trump since he left office in January 2021.

“I haven’t spoken to Trump for four years,” he said, adding that Russia-US relations remain strained regardless of who occupies the White House.

Putin also criticized what he called the US’s “hostile policy” toward Moscow under the administration of current President Joe Biden.

Black Sea oil spill an “ecological disaster”

Putin described a recent oil spill in the Black Sea as an environmental catastrophe.

“This is an ecological disaster,” he lamented, calling for urgent cleanup efforts and pledging federal support for affected regions.

He blamed negligence by oil companies and promised that those responsible would face consequences.