Putin: Russia's primary goal is to control Ukraine's Donbas region

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that Russia's "main objective" is to take control of Ukraine's Donbas region.

He noted that the Russian military has successfully pushed Ukrainian forces back from the Kursk region.

During his speech at an economic forum in Russia's Far East, Putin explained that the Ukrainian attack on the Kursk region aimed to create internal tensions within Russia and force the Russian military to redeploy its forces.

This, he said, would have disrupted Russia's offensive in critical areas, particularly in Donbas, which he described as the top priority.

Putin added that Russian forces gradually gained control of the situation in the Kursk region, causing Ukrainian forces to retreat. He emphasized that the Ukrainian attack in that area accelerated Russia's progress in eastern Ukraine.

In September 2022, Russia announced the annexation of Donetsk, along with three other Ukrainian regions. Putin claimed that Ukrainian operations in Kursk weakened Kyiv's capabilities in key areas, further strengthening Russia's offensive operations.

Putin also mentioned that Russian forces have started to regain control of some towns and villages in border areas. He reiterated that the Russian military is committed to driving Ukrainian forces out of Russian territory and protecting citizens.