Putin Vows to Seek Answers on Missing American Journalist Austin Tice

Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged on Tuesday to investigate the disappearance of American journalist Austin Tice, who vanished in Syria 12 years ago. Speaking at a marathon four-and-a-half-hour news conference near the Kremlin, Putin said he would raise the issue with Bashar al-Assad, Syria's ousted dictator who recently fled to Russia after being overthrown by rebel forces.

“I promise to ask this question,” Putin said in response to NBC News journalist Keir Simmons. Putin stated he had not yet met Assad since his arrival in Russia but remarked on the complexity of Tice’s disappearance, saying, “A person went missing 12 years ago, we understand what situation was there back then.”

Putin's wide-ranging annual press event touched on several global and domestic issues, including the war in Ukraine, relations with U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Commenting on Biden, Putin referred to his decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, before his sentencing on federal gun and tax charges. “It turned out that Biden is more of a human being,” Putin said, jokingly calling Biden “a politician” and adding, “I would not blame him.”

On Trump, Putin dismissed suggestions that he might face tougher negotiations with a future Trump administration, asserting he was “ready for this.”

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Putin claimed that Russian forces were making progress and reiterated the strength of Russia's military capabilities. “Our defense capabilities are the highest in the world, same for our military industry,” he said. When asked about the possibility of a ceasefire, he indicated it would depend on whether the U.S. could influence Ukraine but emphasized that Russia seeks “a long-term peace” rather than just a ceasefire.

NBC News also pressed Putin on the significant casualties in Ukraine and the recent assassination of Lt. Gen. Igor Krillov. Putin dismissed concerns about his waning strength, quipping, “Rumors of my demise are much exaggerated,” quoting Mark Twain to the laughter of attendees.

While addressing setbacks in Syria, Ukraine, and at home with high-profile assassinations, Putin signaled a willingness to compromise, particularly with the incoming U.S. administration. “Politics is the art of compromise,” he stated, hinting at potential shifts in Russia’s approach under President-elect Donald Trump.

The event, a hallmark of Putin’s leadership style, featured a spectacle of journalists and citizens waving colorful signs to grab his attention. Russian state media reported that more than 2 million questions were submitted ahead of the conference.

As for Austin Tice, Putin's promise to broach the topic with Assad has drawn cautious attention, marking another chapter in the long quest to uncover the fate of the missing journalist.