The Ukrainian Armed Forces are retreating all over the front: Putin said that Russia must achieve all SMO goals

The enemy is retreating along the entire line of contact. He stated this at a meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, as well as with the commanders of the groups of troops in the SMO zone in St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This was reported in the official telegram channel of the Kremlin.

According to Putin, the strategic initiative at the front belongs to Russia, the enemy is retreating along the entire line of combat contact.

"The enemy, despite attempts of stubborn resistance, is retreating along the entire line of contact. And against this background, the Kiev regime, trying to demonstrate at least some success to its Western sponsors, is trying to strike into the depths of Russian territory at absolutely peaceful objects. It won't help him. And our task is to ensure the safety of Russian citizens, the safety of strategic facilities and civilian infrastructure, including energy," he said.

According to Putin, now the strategic initiative remains entirely with the Russian Armed Forces. This year, the Russian army has liberated almost five thousand square kilometers of territory — 4,900 — and 212 settlements.

The President added that the decisions taken in February 2022 were correct and timely, and Russia, of course, must achieve all the goals of the special operation.