Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday positively assessed the course of the special military operation in Ukraine, noting that the Russian armed forces are behaving "heroically," thwarting all enemy attempts to break through the Russian defenses during Kiev's so-called counteroffensive.
"Positive. Our troops are behaving heroically. Unexpectedly for the enemy in some areas and go on the offensive themselves, taking the most favorable positions, heights, etc.," Putin said during an interview with Russian media.
The president added: "All attempts by the enemy to break through our defenses — which has been the goal, including the use of strategic reserves — they have not been successful during the entire offensive. The enemy has no success."
When asked about Russia's next steps, President Putin promised to answer without cameras.
"I'll tell you that separately when the cameras are off," Putin said.
On February 24, Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine after the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics appealed for help in defending themselves against Ukrainian provocations. In response to Russia's operation, Western countries have launched a comprehensive sanctions campaign against Moscow and have supplied weapons to Ukraine.
On September 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin and the heads of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, as well as the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, signed agreements on the accession of these territories to Russia, following referendums in which an overwhelming majority of the local population voted to become part of Russia.
In early June, after several postponements, Ukraine launched its long-awaited counteroffensive. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukrainian troops continue to try but fail to advance in three directions: South Donetsk, Bakhmut, and Zaporozhye, with the latter being the primary focus.