Putin: "Those attempting to defeat Russia have failed; no one doubts our victory"

^{© Sputnik / Stanislav Krasilnikov}
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with municipal leaders from various regions of the country at the Second All-Russian Municipal Forum "Small Homeland – Russia’s Strength" held in Moscow, according to the Kremlin's press service.

During the meeting, Putin stated that the Western countries' attempts to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia had completely failed.

"No one doubts our victory anymore. Seeing their defeats on the battlefield, Western countries are beginning to realize that the key to Russia’s strength and existence lies in the courage and perseverance of our people," Putin noted.

The president also emphasized that most of the weapons supplied by Western countries to Ukraine consistently end up on the black market. According to him, the Kyiv government is fighting to preserve the capital stolen from the Ukrainian people and thus maintains close cooperation with its foreign sponsors.

"The leaders of the Kyiv government have been occupied with only one task: extracting wealth and resources from territories and people. They transferred money to foreign bank accounts. They are not fighting for the interests of their people, but rather to protect the money that they themselves stole and took abroad," Putin said. He noted that such theft and plundering are still ongoing.

The head of state also expressed special gratitude to residents of Russia’s border regions. "I extend my deep gratitude to the residents living in our border territories for their bravery, resilience, and heroism," he said.

The president emphasized the need to carry out reconstruction efforts in the newly integrated regions into Russia on schedule and in full. According to him, all levels of government must provide comprehensive support to the people living in these areas.

Putin also expressed satisfaction with the appointment of individuals with combat experience to leadership positions in Russia’s new regions.

Additionally, the president sent a special greeting to the soldiers of the 76th Air Assault Division. He highlighted that this military unit is fighting very effectively and heroically on the battlefield.

Vladimir Putin emphasized that the courage, resilience, and heroism of the Russian people have always been fundamental to Russia’s existence, and stressed that forces wishing to threaten the country's unity and independence still do not fully comprehend this fact. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!