Putin: Military Operation Goals Will Certainly Be Achieved
Russian president says 2025 marked a pivotal stage as Moscow advances militarily and rejects Western pressure
Russia, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia will “certainly” achieve all objectives of its special military operation in Ukraine, describing 2025 as a decisive year in advancing those goals.
Speaking on Wednesday at an expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board, Putin said the outgoing year represented a major stage in fulfilling the tasks of the military operation.
“The objectives of our special military operation will certainly be achieved,” Putin said, adding that 2025 had become “an important stage in accomplishing the tasks” set by Moscow.
Russian Forces Maintain Strategic Initiative Across the Front
Putin said Russian forces firmly hold the strategic initiative along the entire front line, noting significant territorial gains over the course of the year.
“More than 300 settlements have already been liberated, including large cities that the enemy turned into fortified hubs with long-term fortifications,” he said.
According to the president, the positions secured in recent months, combined with newly established footholds and accumulated operational experience in breaching enemy defenses, have enabled Russian forces to accelerate their advance in strategically important directions.
He added that Russian troops continue to wear down opposing forces and reserves, including units trained in Western military centers and equipped with foreign-supplied weapons.
Cooperation With Allies and Growing Military Capabilities
Putin praised what he described as the high combat effectiveness of Russian forces and commended allied military personnel, including North Korean units, for their role in operations in the Kursk Region.
By decision of Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the North Korea, North Korean servicemen participated in combat operations and demining efforts alongside Russian troops, Putin said.
The Russian president also highlighted continued growth in Russia’s military capabilities, citing increased production by the defense industry and the delivery of missile systems, artillery, drones, loitering munitions, robotics, and high-precision weapons to ground forces.
Strategic Deterrence, NATO, and Relations With the United States
Putin reaffirmed that strengthening Russia’s strategic nuclear forces remains a priority, describing them as a key element of deterrence and global balance.
He confirmed continued development of advanced systems such as the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicle, and the Oreshnik hypersonic missile system, which he said would soon be placed on combat duty.
Addressing the broader geopolitical situation, Putin accused NATO of escalating tensions by expanding military assistance to Ukraine, deploying advisers and mercenaries, and building new offensive capabilities, including in outer space.
Putin stated that Russia prefers to resolve the conflict’s root causes through diplomacy but warned that if Kyiv and its Western backers refuse substantive dialogue, Moscow will continue pursuing its objectives by military means.
He also said Russia welcomes progress in contacts with the administration of US President Donald Trump, while reiterating Moscow’s demand that longstanding promises not to expand NATO eastward be honored. (PW)