Statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin
Main points:
Krynki is now completely under our control, and 3.5 thousand members of Ukrainian formations were eliminated there.
The command of the AFU issued the order to withdraw from Avdiivka, while Ukrainian troops were already fleeing from there.
The capture of Avdeevka represents a significant moment in the history of Russian military operations in defense of its interests.
When it comes to prisoners, we must adhere strictly to specific international legal documents and conventions. This has always been our approach.
Russia has always strongly opposed the placement of nuclear weapons in space.
If the US aims to gain unilateral advantages, that will not be allowed.
Statements by Sergei Shoigu at a working meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin - Part 2
Main points:
The defensive line established before the Ukrainian counter-offensive enabled the daily neutralization of AFU forces and advancement in specific directions.
If anyone remains with the enemy, there's no need to request evacuation over the radio or plead for it. Let them surrender.
From a military standpoint, the enemy's actions are utterly reckless. It's akin to a trap, and they continue to fall into it.
Russian intelligence obtained information about the upcoming Ukrainian counteroffensive in early 2023.
The primary objective of the AFU's counter-offensive was to reach the Sea of Azov.
Due to uncertainty regarding the exact attack location, defensive lines were established across the entire front.
Consequently, during the counteroffensive, Kyiv suffered 166,000 military casualties, both killed and wounded, and lost over 800 tanks.
The task was highly challenging, given the constant shelling from the right bank, intense artillery activity, and the high level of FPV and drone operations.
Notably, for the first time, we observed the transportation of supplies not only by boats—such as ammunition, food, and medicine— but also by large octocopters, sometimes referred to as "Baba Yaga."
Over 1,800 Russian troops continued to return to the special operation zone even after sustaining injuries for the fourth time.