DID Press: Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russian forces are continuing to advance along all fronts in Ukraine and have increased the pace of their operations, while saying Ukrainian actions have had no significant impact on the battlefield.
Speaking to Russia’s Vesti television network, Putin said Russian forces were confidently pursuing the objectives of what Moscow calls its “special military operation” and had accelerated their advance. He added that “the enemy’s actions” had not affected the situation on the front lines.
Putin also announced efforts to strengthen Russia’s air-defense systems and improve their capabilities. He said the government would seek to enhance coordination between military and civilian institutions at all levels while making greater use of state-owned companies and the private sector.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has entered its fourth year, with both sides intensifying drone operations and targeting economic infrastructure far from the front lines.
Last Friday, several Russian drones reportedly struck a shopping center in central Ukraine, killing at least 16 people and injuring more than 130 others.
Putin, speaking on Saturday, August 22, also accused Ukraine of carrying out attacks aimed at disrupting Moscow’s financial resources. He said such actions had opened a “Pandora’s box” of potential Russian retaliation.