ST. PETERSBURG (Realist English). During a working trip to Russia’s Northwestern Federal District, President Vladimir Putin chaired a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Defense Ministry, the General Staff, and commanders of military groupings involved in the special military operation. FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov also took part in the discussions.
Earlier in the day, Putin visited the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg, where he laid flowers at the tomb of Peter the Great and spoke with the church’s rector.
Opening the meeting, Putin noted that the strategic initiative remains entirely with the Russian Armed Forces, which this year have “liberated nearly 4,900 square kilometers of territory and 212 settlements.” He praised the “courage and dedication” of Russian soldiers and officers, stressing their “devotion to duty and comradeship,” and asked that his gratitude be conveyed to all personnel.
The president highlighted the key role of Russia’s defense-industrial complex, saying that arms producers are “fully meeting the needs of the Armed Forces” and delivering new generations of precision weapons, missiles, and military equipment ahead of schedule.
Putin accused Kyiv of targeting “purely civilian sites” in Russian regions in an attempt to show success to Western sponsors, adding: “It will not help them. Our task is to guarantee the security of Russian citizens and critical infrastructure, including energy facilities.”
Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported that Russian troops are advancing “on almost all fronts,” while Ukrainian forces are concentrating efforts on stabilizing critical areas of the front to slow the offensive.
According to Gerasimov, the Northern Grouping is operating in border areas of Kharkiv and Sumy regions, creating a security zone and advancing south of Volchansk. The Western Grouping is finalizing the defeat of Ukrainian forces near Kupiansk and advancing toward Krasny Liman.
The Southern Grouping is pushing through Ukrainian defenses in Seversk and Kostiantynivka, while the Central Grouping is conducting the most intense fighting around Krasnoarmiisk and Dnipro, where Russian troops are advancing despite Ukrainian reinforcements drawn from strategic reserves.
Gerasimov said Russian units have encircled the town of Rodynske, north of Krasnoarmiisk, and are clearing it of Ukrainian forces. The Eastern Grouping continues to advance in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro regions, bringing more than 200 square kilometers under Russian control since September 1.
Meanwhile, the Dnepr Grouping is pushing toward the city of Zaporizhzhia, fighting for control of Primorsk and Stepnohirsk. Gerasimov said Russian forces are also conducting “mass precision strikes” on Ukrainian military and industrial sites, prioritizing long-range drone and missile production facilities.
Putin concluded that the meeting would focus on reviewing the current battlefield situation, logistical issues, and upcoming operational plans, emphasizing that “the tasks set before the Armed Forces must be fulfilled in full.”
