Putin stressed the importance of the Ukraine war, considering that it may determine the fate of Russia (French)
Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that what is happening on the battlefront in Ukraine is a “matter of life and death” for Russia and may determine its fate.
Putin said - in a press interview, excerpts of which were published on Sunday - that he still sees great importance in the public - whether inside or outside Russia - understanding his way of thinking.
He added, "Everything that happens on the Ukraine front is an advance for their tactical position, but for us it is our destiny. It is a matter of life and death."
Putin made these statements in response to a question about an interview he conducted with American presenter Tucker Carlson, which the Kremlin used to promote its war narrative.
In that interview, Putin spoke at length about Russia's history, and constantly questioned the status of the Ukrainian state, which angered Kiev and the West.
When asked about his extensive talk about Russian history in that interview, Putin said that for the Western listener and viewer, it was not easy.
He added, "The history of the United States began more than 300 years ago, but I started my speech in the year 862, so I think it was not easy for the American public to understand that."
Since the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war on February 24, 2022, the Kremlin has described its military operation as a battle for Russia’s survival.
The Ukrainian army said it had withdrawn all its forces from Avdiivka (Anatolia)
Field developments
On the field level, the Ukrainian army said - today, Sunday - that it was able to repel an attack by Russian forces on the southern front after its withdrawal from the town of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine.
The army indicated that it destroyed 18 armored vehicles, including 3 tanks, and that Russian forces were forced to retreat to their previous positions. There have been no comments yet from the Russian side.
In a related context, the Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force announced that Ukrainian forces shot down 12 attack drones launched by Russia, in addition to a Kh-59 cruise missile and a Sukhoi-34 fighter bomber.
Russia announced its control of the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka after the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from it, noting that some Ukrainian soldiers are still holed up in a coal industrial complex.
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that it is taking measures to completely clear the city of militants and besiege Ukrainian forces holed up inside the industrial complex for the production of coal and chemicals.
Putin congratulated the Russian soldiers on their success, noting that "the victory in Avdiivka is an important difference."
Taking control of Avdiivka is the largest advance by Russian forces since it took control of Bakhmut in May 2023.
Source: Agencies