Putin Orders Russian Military to Focus on Final Defeat of Enemy

© Кремль

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that by the evening of May 9, the Russian Defense Ministry had not reported any provocations from Ukraine during the Victory Day celebrations. The head of state noted that he plans to return to work and seek additional information from the military.

Putin emphasized that Russian Armed Forces should focus on completing the defeat of the adversary as part of the special military operation.

He also mentioned that following threats from Kiev, Moscow did not limit its response to diplomatic statements and warnings from the Defense Ministry. Russia has initiated consultations with key international partners, including China, India, and the United States.

The president stressed that Moscow is not interested in further deterioration of relations with other countries and does not seek escalation.

Putin separately noted that during international discussions, an initiative emerged from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a possible extension of the ceasefire for another two days.

Additionally, the president disclosed that on May 5, the Russian side submitted a proposal to Ukraine for a prisoner exchange and sent a list of 500 Ukrainian servicemen being held in Russia. According to Putin, Kiev informed Moscow that it was not ready to proceed with such an exchange.