[モスクワ １５日 ロイター] – Russian President Vladimir Putin said the defense ministry’s announcement of the seizure of Soledar in eastern Ukraine was a “positive step” and he hoped the army would make further gains.
“Everything is developing within the framework of the plans of the Ministry of Defense and General Staff,” he said in an interview with state television, adding: “I hope that our fighters will be even more happy with their combat achievements is there,” he said. .
Following Russia’s announcement of the seizure of Soledar, local Ukrainian officials said on Monday that the Ukrainian army was still fighting to maintain control of Soledar. The Washington-based Institute for War Research said it was highly unlikely that the Ukrainian military would maintain a stronghold in Soledar.
Reuters could not confirm the situation in Soledal.
Mr Putin said the situation in the Russian economy was “stable” and “much better than the prospects of not only our opponents, but ours as well.” “The unemployment rate is at a historic low and inflation is lower than expected and trending down,” he said.
