STORY: Year-end review: Russia-Ukraine conflict lingers, public hopes for peace
SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 20, 2023/file
DATELINE: Dec. 26, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:51
LOCATION: Moscow
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Russia-Ukraine conflict
2. various of Moscow
3. various of Kiev
4. STANDUP (English): MENG JING, Xinhua correspondent in Moscow

STORYLINE:

STANDUP (English): MENG JING, Xinhua correspondent in Moscow
"The year 2023 has proven to be another turbulent one for the Eurasian region.
The Ukrainian crisis remains intractable. The geopolitical game between Russia and the West is intensifying. The political and security landscape of the region is being restructured.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his annual press conference that Russia is forced to take other measures including military ones as Ukraine does not wish to hold negotiations on its demilitarization.
He further noted that when Russia realizes its target of the special military operation, then peace will come.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, "no one knows" when the Russia-Ukraine conflict will end.
Speaking at his annual press conference, Zelensky said that Ukraine lacks of ammunition and the control of the air, and the decision to mobilize another half a million soldiers has not yet been made.
He also said that joining parts of Ukraine into NATO is not an option.
The current fatigue over the Ukrainian crisis will test the endurance of all sides, and calls for a resumption of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine will intensify as the entire international community is hoping for a peaceful resolution to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
It is worth noting that over the past year, the Russian economy has withstood the pressure from sanctions imposed by Western countries, and has not collapsed, contrary to what the West anticipated. According to forecasts, the Russian economy will grow by 3 percent in 2023.
Looking ahead to 2024, we can assume that the Russian presidential elections in March will attract increased attention, as Putin has already announced his participation."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Moscow.
(XHTV)