Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine’s attempt to seize Russian territory has backfired and actually benefited the Russian military’s advance. He spoke at an economic forum in Vladivostok, emphasizing the importance of protecting the border region of Kursk and capturing the Donbas region in Ukraine. Putin boasted that the Russian army had successfully stabilized the situation and was advancing in the Donbas region.
Ukraine’s surprise attack on Russian territory has led to a cross-border assault that turned the tables on the Kremlin. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed confidence in holding the seized Russian territory to end the war. However, Putin suggested that Ukraine’s manpower struggles would soon lead them to recruit young people, likening it to Nazi Germany’s forced recruitment during World War Two.
In a somewhat sarcastic tone, Putin also expressed support for U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election, claiming that Russia backed her candidacy. This came shortly after the Biden administration announced sanctions against Russia for attempts to manipulate U.S. public opinion. Putin’s remarks about supporting Harris over former President Donald Trump, whom he considered a favorite, may be dismissed by the White House and Harris campaign.
Overall, Putin’s speech highlighted Russia’s confidence in its military advances in Ukraine and its strategic goals in the region, while also injecting a hint of sarcasm and political commentary on the U.S. election.
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