Putin says Russian troops hold 'strategic advantage'

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday declared that his country's forces hold a decisive edge in the ongoing war with Ukraine, speaking during a televised address from the Kremlin. He asserted that Moscow's troops are advancing with confidence and that Kyiv cannot reverse the tide through conventional military means. "Our troops maintain a strategic advantage, confidently advancing, and no amount of shelling or drone strikes will change this situation," Putin said.

Kyiv accused of 'terrorist methods'

The Russian leader claimed that Ukrainian forces have shifted to asymmetric tactics as they fail to stop Russian territorial gains. He characterized these tactics as "terrorist methods," though he did not provide specific examples of such activities during the broadcast. The remarks came as both sides continue to exchange long-range strikes across the front lines.

Conflict continues without breakthrough

The war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, has entered its third year with neither side achieving a decisive strategic victory. Russian forces have made incremental gains in eastern Ukraine in recent months while Kyiv has relied on Western military assistance to sustain its defense. Putin's statements underscore Moscow's efforts to project stability amid ongoing international sanctions and battlefield attrition.