Russian President Putin: A turning point is unfolding on the Ukrainian battlefield.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that a turning point is occurring on the front lines.
According to RT, at an expanded meeting of the Russian Ministry of Defense Council on December 16, President Vladimir Putin stated that Russian forces had achieved a turning point on the front lines thanks to the attitude of the Russian people towards the fate of their country.
Citing data from 2023, Putin said that more than 300,000 Russians had signed contracts with the Ministry of Defense, and by 2024, that number had exceeded 430,000. “And this flow of volunteers has really not stopped,” the Russian leader added.
President Putin emphasized that Russian combat units have "completed all strategic initiatives." In particular, 189 settlements were brought under control in 2024.
According to Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, in 2024, the losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces exceeded 560,000 servicemen killed and wounded. In addition, more than 58,000 units of enemy weapons and equipment were destroyed, including 18,000 units of foreign-made weapons.
President Putin believes that all the troubles between Ukraine and Russia began after the "bloody, unconstitutional coup of 2014." According to him, the next mistake made by the Kiev government was lowering the age for military conscription.
Furthermore, President Putin emphasized that the Western bloc, led by the United States, continues its efforts to maintain its dominant position on the international stage.
At the same time, Putin noted that NATO countries are increasing military spending and that coalition strike groups have been formed near Russia's borders.
He also cited data showing that the number of US military personnel in Europe has exceeded 100,000. In addition, the US is working to develop and prepare for the deployment of high-precision ground attack weapons in Europe with a range of up to 5,500 km.