Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday vowed to achieve all his “objectives” in Ukraine, marking the second anniversary of the annexation of four Ukrainian regions, as the Russian army reported fresh advances in the conflict.
Recall Moscow had captured dozens of Ukrainian towns and villages this year, advancing despite Kyiv’s counter-offensive into Russian-held territory.
“The truth is on our side. All objectives set will be achieved,” Putin said in a video address commemorating what he calls “Reunification Day”—the date in 2022 when Moscow annexed four southern and eastern Ukrainian regions.
He reiterated his justification for sending troops into Ukraine, claiming to protect Russian speakers from a “neo-Nazi dictatorship” that aimed to “cut them off forever from Russia, their historic homeland”.
