Putin affirms Russia maintains full strategic initiative in Ukraine
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The Russian president credits recent territorial gains and the defense industry's accelerated weapons production for sustaining momentum despite Western sanctions.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting via videoconference at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. (AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Tuesday that Russia's military maintains complete strategic initiative in its ongoing operation in Ukraine, crediting both the armed forces and the country's rapidly expanding defense sector for recent advances.
Speaking during a visit to the Northwestern Federal District, Putin asserted that "currently, the strategic initiative remains entirely with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation." He described the decisions made in February 2022, when the campaign began, as "correct and timely," stressing that Russia must ensure "the unconditional achievement of all the goals that the troops face during a special military operation."
According to Putin, Russian forces have gained significant ground in 2025, taking control of 5,000 square kilometers of territory and 212 settlements. He accused Kiev of launching strikes on civilian infrastructure "deep into Russian territory" in an effort to "demonstrate at least some success to its Western sponsors," claiming that Ukrainian forces are retreating "along the entire front line."
New battlefield gains
The president's comments coincided with new battlefield updates from the Russian Ministry of Defense.
On Wednesday, the ministry reported that a crew of Su-34 fighter-bombers carried out a precision strike that destroyed Ukrainian militant positions and armored vehicles in the southern zone of operations. In the same briefing, Russian air defense units were said to have intercepted 53 Ukrainian drones overnight across nine regions, including 28 over Belgorod, 11 over Voronezh, and six over Rostov.
The ministry described the large-scale interceptions as further evidence of Moscow's consolidated air defense capabilities and the growing efficiency of its weapons production.
Strategic momentum
Putin's remarks come just days after his speech at the Valdai Discussion Club, where he stated that Russia had sufficient personnel in the operation zone and that "mass, let alone forced, mobilization" was not underway. The president reiterated that the operation's main objectives remain unchanged: to protect civilians in Donbas, achieve the "demilitarization and denazification" of Ukraine, and ensure Russia's long-term security.
During his trip, Putin also highlighted the importance of Russia's defense industry in sustaining military operations. "I would also like to note the crucial role of the country's defense industry in ensuring the successful operations of the Russian army," he said, adding that the production of new weapons and the delivery of supplies are advancing at "an accelerated pace" and that the defense sector now fully meets the army's needs for precision weapons, missiles, ammunition, and other military hardware.
Industrial resolve
The president's statements come amid reports that Russia's weapons production has sharply increased despite Western sanctions, signaling a broader effort to reinforce domestic military capabilities and maintain strategic initiative on the battlefield.
Recent operations announced by the Defense Ministry, including the downing of dozens of drones and targeted strikes on Ukrainian military positions, reflect how Moscow is combining battlefield tactics with industrial expansion to sustain pressure along multiple fronts.
Putin's visit underscored the Kremlin's confidence in its current position in Ukraine and its determination to sustain the operation through self-sufficiency and industrial mobilization. His remarks continue to frame the conflict as both a defensive measure and a moral obligation, aimed at securing Russian sovereignty and reshaping the regional balance of power.
Read more: Russian missiles outsmart US Patriot defenses in Ukraine: FT
