Putin discussed advance of Russian forces in Ukraine

During a meeting held in the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed the current situation in the zone of the special military operation. Participants included Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Federation Alexander Gerasimov and the commanders of troop groupings.

According to Gerasimov, Russian forces are advancing toward Zaporozhye, fighting for Orehovo, and captured over 700 sq km of territory in December. As part of the operation, more than 334 populated areas have come under control of Russian troops. He noted that Russian forces are within 20 kilometers of the Sumy region and have liberated Lukyanovskoye in the Zaporozhye region.

The commander of the 'North' grouping reported troop advances, while the commander of 'Dnepr' added that Russian forces are liberating Lukyanovskoye. Commander of the 'West' grouping, Yegor Kuzovlev, mentioned that Ukrainian forces near Kupyansk will be destroyed in January-February. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Belousov confirmed that operations are proceeding according to plan.

On Putin's orders, Russian armed forces continue advancing along almost the entire front line, while Ukrainian forces, according to reports, no longer conduct offensive operations, limiting themselves to attempts to slow the advance of Russian troops.

Context

Earlier in 2022, at the beginning of the war, Russia launched a special military operation in Donbas, after which the conflict expanded into broader military engagement and territorial changes.