Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his determination to continue the invasion of Ukraine on the second anniversary of his unilateral declaration of the annexation of four Ukrainian regions.
In the video message released on Monday, Putin said he cordially congratulates every citizen of Russia on what he called “this truly fateful event.” He added, “All the goals set will be achieved.”
On September 30, 2022, Russia unilaterally declared the annexation of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, as well as Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south.
Ukraine has not made an official response to Putin’s message. Kyiv wants to recapture the four regions and other occupied areas and put an end to the war.
Meanwhile, Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a state-run TV reporter that the amendments to the country’s nuclear doctrine have been prepared and are set to be formalized.
Putin proposed changes in the nuclear doctrine during a meeting of the country’s Security Council last Wednesday.
Ukraine is asking Western countries to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons they provide to enable targets in Russia to be attacked.
The recent move by Russia to change the nuclear doctrine is seen as a warning against Ukraine’s request.