Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russian forces are accelerating their advance across several fronts in Ukraine, including Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy and Kharkiv. Speaking in Bishkek, Putin said Russia captured 15 settlements and 270 square kilometres of Donetsk territory in August. He also claimed Russian forces had encircled Ukrainian troops in areas near the Krasnooskolskoye Reservoir and northeastern Kharkiv. Putin further warned of “massive strikes” against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, saying they would come in response to attacks on Russian oil refineries and civilian infrastructure. He said Moscow remains confident of achieving its military objectives, while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of war.
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