Russia welcomes progress in dialogue with US; Russian troops maintain strategic initiative: Putin

Russian troops are maintaining the strategic initiative along the entire frontline, President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said at an expanded meeting of the country’s Defense Ministry’s board.

Russia welcomes progress in dialogue with US President Donald Trump’s administration. "We welcome the advances made in dialogue with the new US administration," Putin said.

He also noted that Russia’s strategic nuclear forces will continue to play a key role in deterring aggression and maintaining the global balance of power.


Putin announced that the Oreshnik missile system will be placed on combat duty by the end of 2025 and highlighted the successful tests of the Burevestnik strategic cruise missile and the Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicle.

The year 2025 "marked an important stage in achieving the objectives" of the special military operation, Putin said.

According to the president, the experience gained during the operation makes it possible to "increase the pace of the offensive in strategically important areas."

The objectives of the special military operation will be achieved, Putin stressed. The task of expanding the security buffer zone "will be resolutely pursued," he added.

According to Putin, the conflict in Ukraine was started by "destructive forces in Kiev and, in essence, by the West." "We are only trying to end it, to stop it," he said.

"All attempts by the West to destroy Russia have completely failed," Putin claimed.

The capabilities of the Russian army are "constantly evolving," the president said. This year, new submarines as well as 19 surface ships and vessels joined the Russian Navy.

Successful tests of the Burevestnik strategic cruise missile and the Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicle have been completed. "Thanks to nuclear power plants, these systems will remain unique for a long time, ensuring strategic parity, security and Russia’s global position for decades," Putin said.

Work on these systems will continue, although they are already operational.

The Oreshnik missile system will be placed on combat duty "by the end of the year."

Modernization of the armed forces must continue steadily and efficiently, taking into account lessons from the special military operation, new combat tactics and rapidly developing military technologies.

The global geopolitical situation remains tense and, in some regions, "is becoming critical," Putin said.

Russia has always sought diplomatic solutions, he said, adding that responsibility for missed opportunities lies with those who attempted to speak to Russia "from a position of force."

Russia’s strategic nuclear forces "will play a key role in deterring aggressors and maintaining the balance of power in the world."

"Our nuclear shield is more advanced than that of any other official nuclear power," Putin said.

Russia possesses new weapons systems that "no one else in the world has, and no one else will have anytime soon," he added.

Russia will actively develop military and military-technical cooperation with foreign countries.

Expanding social guarantees for participants in the special military operation and their families remains a state priority, according to Putin.

The Defense Ministry is doing extensive work to support servicemen and their families, although "there is still work to be done," he noted.