ALWAGHT- Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Monday that his forces had gained the upper hand across the entire front line in Ukraine and were advancing at an increasing pace.
"Russian troops are firmly maintaining the strategic initiative along the entire front line," Putin told his military generals in a televised meeting, according to AFP.
He noted that Russia's forces had captured 189 Ukrainian settlements this year, describing 2024 as a "pivotal year in achieving the goals of the special military operation," the official term used by Moscow for its campaign.
Following Putin’s remarks, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov stated that Russia’s forces had taken control of nearly 4,500 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory this year and were advancing at a rate of approximately 30 square kilometers per day.
