1lurer. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned about a possible scenario that could lead to "deadly consequences" in the world: Speaking at the plenary session of the "Valdai" International Discussion Club, the Russian president reminded that several countries possess weapons that are "capable of destroying all living beings." However, he added, "We must ensure that this weapon does not fire."

 

Discussing the war in Ukraine, which has now entered its fifth year, Putin reiterated that Russia "did not start the war," and that Moscow's invasion of Ukrainian territory was a response to the actions of NATO and Ukraine itself.

 

He described the current situation in Europe and the world as "extremely dangerous" and again accused Western countries of "aggressive intentions."

 

Commenting on the course of the war in Ukraine, the Russian president stated that in the past month, Russian troops have captured 3.5 times more territory than in the previous month. According to him, Russia now controls 89 percent of the Donetsk region. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), 81% of Donbas is now under Russian control.

 

A few days ago, Kyiv announced that during the three seasons of the "Vivaldi" counteroffensive operation, the Ukrainian armed forces had reclaimed 176 square kilometers of territory. However, Putin again assured at "Valdai" that Russia would capture all those territories, and it makes no sense for "Ukraine to cling to them."