Mr. Putin: Russia certainly achieved its goals in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a meeting with Ministry of Defense officials in Moscow today that the country wants to eliminate the “root cause” of the Ukraine conflict through diplomatic means.

However, he emphasized that he will use military measures to control the territories that Russia has announced to annex “if the opposition country and sponsoring countries refuse to participate in substantive discussions”.

“The goals of the special military operation will certainly be achieved,” Putin said, using the Kremlin’s term for the war in Ukraine. “The objectives we have captured, the bridgeheads we have recently created, and the combat experience gained in breaking through enemy lines, allow us to increase our momentum in strategically important areas.”

President Putin affirmed that Russian forces will be steadfast in their goal of expanding the security buffer zone in Ukraine. He said Russia will also continue to research the Burevestnik nuclear cruise missile and the Poseidon nuclear super torpedo, while saying the Oreshnik missile will be in service by the end of this year.

Strengthening strategic nuclear capabilities is a top priority for Russia because they are key to deterrence, according to Putin.

The Russian President accused European leaders of deliberately exaggerating the risk of conflict with Russia. “In Europe, people are being brainwashed with fear of an inevitable clash with Russia and that they need to prepare for a major war. I have said it many times, this is just a complete nonsense,” he said.

Russia welcomes the progress achieved in contacts with President Donald Trump’s administration and supports equal cooperation with both the US and Europe. Mr. Putin said the US was ready for peace talks on the Ukraine conflict and hoped Europe would be too.

Ukraine earlier this week welcomed progress made in ensuring future security for Kiev after two days of negotiations with US special envoys in Berlin, Germany. However, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that there are still disagreements about whether Ukraine must cede territory to Russia.

The proposal that the US announced last month stated that Ukraine would have to withdraw its troops from the area still controlled in Donetsk and the US would recognize the areas controlled by Russia. This draft has faced a lot of controversy and criticism from both Ukraine and Europe.