Russian President Vladimir Putin said at an expanded meeting of the Russian Ministry of Defense today that in 2025, the Russian military has taken control of more than 300 settlements within the special military operation zone. Putin said that 2025 is an important stage in achieving special military operations, and the Russian military firmly controls the strategic initiative on the entire front. The Russian army is successfully defeating the elite forces of the Ukrainian armed forces, including some Western-trained forces. Putin said that the Russian military can speed up the pace of attacks, including in strategically important regions. Putin pointed out that in the face of complicated conditions of NATO support for Ukraine, the Russian military has shown a high level of combat capability and training. He said that the “Haiyan” nuclear-powered cruise missile and the “Poseidon” nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle will ensure Russia's strategic balance and safety for decades to come, and maintain its uniqueness over the long term. He also said that the “Hazel” medium-range hypersonic missile system will enter combat readiness before the end of the year. Putin pointed out that geopolitical tension in many regions of the world is becoming increasingly serious. He stressed that the argument “Russia threatens Europe” is nonsense. Russia advocates equal relations with the United States and European countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at an expanded meeting of the Russian Ministry of Defense today that in 2025, the Russian military has taken control of more than 300 settlements within the special military operation zone. Putin said that 2025 is an important stage in achieving special military operations, and the Russian military firmly controls the strategic initiative on the entire front. The Russian army is successfully defeating the elite forces of the Ukrainian armed forces, including some Western-trained forces. Putin said that the Russian military can speed up the pace of attacks, including in strategically important regions. Putin pointed out that in the face of complicated conditions of NATO support for Ukraine, the Russian military has shown a high level of combat capability and training. He said that the “Haiyan” nuclear-powered cruise missile and the “Poseidon” nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle will ensure Russia's strategic balance and safety for decades to come, and maintain its uniqueness over the long term. He also said that the “Hazel” medium-range hypersonic missile system will enter combat readiness before the end of the year. Putin pointed out that geopolitical tension in many regions of the world is becoming increasingly serious. He stressed that the argument “Russia threatens Europe” is nonsense. Russia advocates equal relations with the United States and European countries.