Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary to the president of Russia, described the ongoing military campaign in Ukraine as a very challenging mission with strategic goals. He stated in a televised interview that demilitarizing Ukraine remains a key objective of the special operation and that Russia has nearly reached a stage where the Ukrainian armed forces are significantly weakened. The conversation framed the operation as a difficult undertaking, yet one that has yielded notable gains within its first year.
Peskov asserted that the use of precise Russian weaponry played a crucial role in disrupting Ukraine’s military infrastructure. He claimed that numerous military facilities and depots have been destroyed, depriving Kyiv of essential capabilities. He stressed that the effort is not finished and will continue as planned, underscoring the persistence of military efforts to achieve the stated aims of the operation.
The day prior, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the contributions of those who took part in the special operation, emphasizing national pride while signaling ongoing commitment. In parallel, Sergey Lavrov, the head of Russia’s foreign ministry, made a public statement in April indicating Russia’s interest in bringing the Ukrainian conflict to a swift and favorable close.
While the public messages from Russian officials focus on achieving strategic milestones and signaling resolve, international observers continue to analyze the broader implications of the campaign, including regional stability, humanitarian concerns, and the long-term effects on bilateral relations with Western countries. Analysts note that rhetoric from Moscow often emphasizes the safety of Russian interests and the desire to prevent further escalation, even as actions on the ground continue to unfold and competing narratives compete for international attention.