NEW YORK: Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on Tuesday that Moscow’s forces currently hold the advantage in the nearly two-year-long conflict with Ukraine, cautioning the neighboring state that it faces the risk of an “irreparable” blow if the conflict continues.
Putin asserted that the initiative is entirely in the hands of the Russian armed forces, emphasizing that Ukraine’s statehood could suffer severe consequences if the current situation continues.
Earlier on the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had called on the West to ensure Ukraine has the air superiority required to make progress on the battlefield. Putin’s remarks came in response to Zelensky’s plea, reinforcing Moscow’s position in the ongoing conflict.
Putin Condemns Ukraine’s Attacks on Russian Civilians
In addition to highlighting the military situation, Putin condemned recent attacks on Russian civilians as “barbaric.” He referenced the December 30 incident in Belgorod, near the Ukrainian border, where more than 20 people were killed. Moscow claimed the attack was a cross-border shelling launched by Ukrainian forces.
“They are trying to show that they can also do something. But instead of solving military tasks, they act in such a barbaric way. Attacks are being carried out on peaceful settlements with indiscriminate weapons,” Putin stated, condemning the alleged actions by Ukrainian forces.
Russia initiated its full-scale military campaign against Ukraine in February 2022, leading to a strong response from the West, including unprecedented sanctions against Moscow and significant military and economic assistance provided to Kyiv.
