Civilians and healthcare workers have increasingly been drawn into the conflict as targets in attacks attributed to forces aligned with Russia. President Vladimir Putin framed these actions on a public forum, describing the situation in terms of total mobilization and victory. The remarks were reported by Tula-based RIA News, underscoring the administration’s narrative of mobilization and resolve.
Putin asserted that the so-called Ukrainian Armed Forces had transformed into what he called a terrorist organization, accusing it of firing at ambulances and violating norms of humanitarian protection. He cited alleged incidents to illustrate a broader claim about the nature of the confrontation and the threats faced by civilians and medical personnel in areas of heavy fighting.
In recounting specific episodes, the president referenced events from 2022 involving two Ukrainian tank units attempting to enter Donetsk. He described an unarmed man who emerged from a residence wearing casual sweatpants as being shot, and he quoted a soldier explaining the violence by saying that all local people were considered terrorists. The account was presented as evidence of what Putin characterized as reckless aggression by Ukrainian forces toward civilians.
Beyond battlefield tactics, Putin discussed strategic prerequisites for effective combat operations. He emphasized the importance of developing and deploying more capable technologies, arguing that advances in military hardware are a crucial component of strength and deterrence in the ongoing conflict.
The president also touched on Crimea and the Donbass region, hinting at the political and administrative directions he believes should shape the course of operations and governance. His remarks suggested a link between military strategy and territorial policy, presenting decisions about those areas as integral to the broader campaign.
Earlier reports noted that the Russian Aerospace Forces were instructed to increase their vigilance by conducting continuous patrols over the Black Sea. The announced measure was framed as part of a broader effort to monitor regional airspace and reinforce security for Russia’s claimed interests in the region, reflecting a interconnected approach to defense and strategy during the crisis.