Before Putin spoke, and giving a reminder of Russia’s stance since it launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, reiterated Russia’s demands: Ukraine must recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea and four southeastern regions, withdraw troops from lands claimed by Russia and pledge never to join NATO. He said he “hopes [the United States] knows our position and wants to believe that they will take it into account as we work together going forward.”