Monitoring Desk
SAINT PETERSBURG: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday maintained he had “no doubt” Moscow would emerge victorious in Ukraine, although the country has suffered several military setbacks in the 11 months offensive.
Putin sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022 and, in September last year, announced a military mobilization to support Moscow’s forces in the pro-Western country.
Despite several military defeats, victory was “guaranteed, and I have no doubt about victory in Ukraine,” Putin told labourers at a factory in Saint Petersburg, the second city of Russia.
“The solidarity and unity of the Russian people, the heroism and courage of our fighters, and, no doubt, the work of the military-industrial sector” will ensure our victory, Putin added.
Putin praises Russian defence industry
The Russian President also praised the Russian defence industry as he delivered a speech at the plant, which is part of Almaz-Antey, a Russian missile manufacturer.
“We have something to depend upon, and this cannot but inspire that win will be ours,” Putin said.
Putin was visiting his native Saint Petersburg city to mark the 80th anniversary of Soviet troops breaking the besiegement of Leningrad, as the city was famous at the time.
His comments came a week after the replacement of Russia’s top commander in Ukraine. The move followed a string of defeats on the battlefield in Ukraine last year.
Russia is worried about how long Moscow’s so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine has gone on, with the operations’ anniversary approaching.
