Russian dictator vladimir putin publicly responded for the first time today, August 12, to the capture of russian territory during a meeting on the situation in the Kursk oblast, where he discussed the reasons behind the events, according to russian media.
According to putin, it became clear to him why Ukraine had been rejecting "offers to return to a peaceful settlement plan" (including demands for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from "DNR/LNR", Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, and recognizing these territories as russian).
“It is now clear why the Kyiv regime rejected our offers to return to a peaceful settlement plan … to the proposals from interested and neutral mediators”, - said putin.
He traditionally blamed the collective West, stating that it is "fighting russia through the hands of Ukrainians". Putin also believes that Ukraine's actions in the Kursk oblast are aimed at improving its negotiating position in the future.
“But what negotiations could there possibly be ... What could we even talk about with them?”, - said putin, promising that the "enemy will certainly receive a worthy response".
According to him, the "main task lies with the Ministry of Defense" and it is to "drive the enemy out of our territories" and "provide reliable coverage of the state border".
“All goals ... will be achieved”, - the dictator traditionally promised.
Additionally, Acting Governor of the Kursk oblast Alexey Smirnov reported to putin on the results of Ukraine's invasion of russian territory. According to him, 480 square kilometers of territory and 28 settlements were captured. The fate of 2,000 russians who are in the areas controlled by Ukrainian forces remains unknown.