Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Sunday that Ukraine is retreating along the entire front line and has therefore resorted to what he described as “outright terrorist acts.”
Speaking at the United Russia party congress, Putin accused Western countries of ignoring what he said were Ukrainian attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure inside Russia while continuing to impose sanctions on Moscow.
He said Russia was successfully resisting attempts to hinder its development, adding that the country has sufficient strength, resources and political will to withstand external pressure.
“Yes, we see the problems, we acknowledge them, and we are responding,” Putin said. “But we will certainly ensure the security of both the country and our citizens and the inviolability of Russia’s borders for the long term.”
Addressing domestic politics, Putin said elections for the ninth convocation of the State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, would be held in September as scheduled and “in strict compliance with the law.”