Key facts
- Russia will continue its campaign to fully capture four Ukrainian regions.
- President Vladimir Putin rejected a Ukrainian proposal for a mutual halt to long-range strikes.
- Putin stated Russia needs to significantly ramp up production of air defense systems.
- Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted Russia's oil industry.
- Putin suggested Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko could assist with peace talks.
President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia will continue its military campaign to fully capture four Ukrainian regions, dismissing a recent Ukrainian proposal for a mutual halt to long-range strikes. Putin described the proposal as an attempt to relieve pressure on Kyiv's forces along the extensive front line.
Speaking in a television interview, Putin asserted that Russia's counter-strikes into Ukrainian territory are more impactful and destructive, suggesting the proposal was made due to Ukraine's "catastrophic shortage of personnel." He indicated that saving the "Kyiv regime" is not part of Russia's plans.
Putin also addressed Ukraine's drone attacks, particularly those targeting Russia's oil industry, acknowledging they had triggered fuel shortages in some regions. He emphasized the need to quickly and significantly increase the production of necessary air defense systems, while asserting that these strikes do not affect the situation on the front lines.
The office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Zelenskiy had previously proposed a face-to-face meeting with Putin, which the Russian leader rejected.
Putin suggested that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko could assist with peace talks, following recent discussions between the two leaders. He made no reference to allegations that Russia was trying to involve Belarus further in the conflict, despite Belarus allowing its territory to be used for the initial invasion.