Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a rare admission of failings by his powerful security agencies after the Ukraine-orchestrated killing of a senior general in Moscow. Lt. General Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian military’s chemical and biological weapons unit, was killed by a bomb planted in a scooter in Moscow on Tuesday.
Putin acknowledged that Russia’s special services missed the attack, saying they need to improve their work to prevent such “serious blunders.” He also called the attack “terrorism” and said he would welcome talks with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has touted his ability to strike a Ukraine peace deal within hours of coming into office.
Putin expressed confidence that Russia’s troops are holding the upper hand in Ukraine but admitted that he does not know when they will take back the western Kursk region. He also proposed a “high-tech duel” between Russia and the West, including the US, to test his claims about the imperviousness of his powerful new multiple-warhead ballistic missile.
In his annual end-of-year press conference, Putin addressed a string of attacks inside Russia on high-profile Kremlin backers amid Russia’s war in Ukraine. He also discussed the economic headwinds facing Russia, citing low unemployment and industrial growth, but acknowledging that inflation is a worrying signal and Western sanctions are a factor.
The killing of Kirillov was the latest development in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which has seen an escalation of attacks on high-profile Kremlin backers. Putin’s comments reflect growing concerns about Russia’s security protocols and the effectiveness of its special services.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vladimir-putin-donald-trump-ukraine-war-annual-press-conference