President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will continue its efforts to fully capture four Ukrainian regions, dismissing Ukraine’s recent proposal to ease hostilities in the ongoing war. In a televised interview, he emphasized the need to enhance Russia’s air defense to respond to increased Ukrainian drone attacks targeting its oil industry. Despite acknowledging fuel shortages due to Ukrainian strikes, he asserted that Russia is managing these challenges effectively.
Putin claimed that Ukraine’s suggestion for a mutual halt to long-range strikes was merely a tactic to relieve pressure on its forces along the extensive front line. He expressed confidence in Russia’s military success, stating that their offensive actions are significantly more impactful and destructive. He rejected the idea of saving the Ukrainian government as part of Russia’s plans.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who had proposed a meeting with Putin, received no response from the Russian leader. Putin described Ukraine’s attacks as attempts to distract Russia from achieving its goals of fully liberating the Donbas and other strategically important regions. He reiterated that Ukraine must relinquish its remaining positions in Donetsk as a crucial condition for any peace agreement, following Russia’s annexation of the four regions seven months after its invasion.
In addressing the drone attacks, Putin called for a rapid increase in the production of necessary air defense systems, claiming that the attacks would not affect the overall combat situation. He anticipated renewed U. S.-led diplomatic efforts to end the war, following the resolution of the U. S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Furthermore, he indicated that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko could play a role in peace talks, without acknowledging Ukraine’s concerns regarding Belarus’s involvement in the conflict.
With information from Reuters
