On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered remarks marking the “Day of Reunification” of the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics, along with the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, which Russia claims following referendums held in September 2023. In a video message published on the Kremlin’s official website, Putin stated that millions in these regions had chosen to join Russia and praised Russian military efforts in the ongoing conflict.
Putin said, “Our fighters and commanders go on the attack, and the entire country, all of Russia, is waging this righteous battle and working hard.” He also thanked Russian soldiers for their service, expressing confidence that their actions would ensure Russia’s security and bring peace to the contested areas.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, described by Moscow as a “special military operation” aimed at demilitarizing Ukraine. Ukraine and Western countries characterize it as an unprovoked invasion. According to open-source battlefield maps cited by Reuters and the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia currently controls approximately 114,500 square kilometers (44,600 square miles), around 19% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, and significant parts of eastern and southern Ukraine.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict continue. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has held separate summits with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Last week, Trump stated that Ukraine has a chance to regain territory, and U.S. officials are reportedly considering Kyiv’s request for Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of striking targets within Russia (sources: Reuters, BBC, ISW).
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