Putin says Ukraine cannot win, Zelenskyy admits difficulties

"Thanks to the courage and heroism of our soldiers, thanks to the readiness of our commanders to repel any aggression against Russia, I believe that the enemy has no chance. They understand that and that is why they have stalled," Putin said at a meeting with graduates of military universities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: TASS

According to the Russian President, "there are individual elements of hostilities going on: artillery fire, reconnaissance. But, I repeat, there is no major attack at the moment...". However, Mr. Putin still noted: "As of today, we see that the enemy's attack potential has not been exhausted."

Speaking about the destroyed Western vehicles, Mr Putin stressed that these numbers continue to rise. "The total as of last night was 245 tanks and 678 armored vehicles of various types. Of course, including Leopards, French wheeled vehicles, American-made armored vehicles - everything. They burned quite well," he said.

During the conversation, President Putin also added that Russia's new generation Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile will soon be deployed for combat duty. "The most important task here is to develop the nuclear triad, which is the main factor ensuring Russia's military security and global stability," he said.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told graduates gathered in the Kremlin's St George's Hall that the "Western collective" was waging a "real war" against Russia.

On the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also admitted on Wednesday that progress in Ukraine's counteroffensive to retake Russian-controlled territory was "slower than desired," but Kiev would not be pressured to speed up.

Ukraine is supported by the West with many modern weapons in the counter-offensive campaign to regain territory. Photo: Reuters

"Some people think this is a Hollywood movie and expect results now. It's not like that," he told the BBC. "What's at stake are people's lives."

Ukraine says it has so far retaken eight villages in its long-awaited counter-offensive, its first significant gains on the battlefield in seven months.

However, analysts say Ukrainian forces have so far failed to reach the main front lines of the conflict with Russia. Kiev is believed to have deployed 12 brigades, each with thousands of troops, in the counter-offensive.

Bui Huy (according to TASS, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ong-putin-noi-ukraine-khong-co-co-hoi-chien-thang-ong-zelenskyy-thua-nhan-kho-khan-post252688.html