Russian President Vladimir Putin said in remarks published that Russia had sufficient strength and resources to take the war in Ukraine to "its logical conclusion", and said he hoped that there would be no need to use nuclear weapons.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in Russia's ability to bring the war in Ukraine to a decisive conclusion. In recent comments, Putin stated that the country has sufficient resources and strength to conclude the operation started in 2022. He also conveyed hope that nuclear weapons would not be necessary for reaching the desired outcomes in the conflict.

These remarks were timed with reports of Russian drones striking residential areas in Kiev, resulting in several injuries, including among children, according to Ukrainian officials. However, Moscow has historically denied targeting civilians since the full-scale invasion began over three years ago. The authenticity of video footage from the night of the drone attacks in the city of Cherkassy remains unverified by independent sources.

In conjunction with these announcements, a state TV documentary featuring President Putin aired, where he mentioned the series of events as an attempt to provoke Russia into making mistakes. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for an anticipated official visit by China's President Xi Jinping to Russia, coinciding with 80th anniversary celebrations of Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II. As part of the celebrations, Russia is preparing for a significant military parade.

Additionally, President Putin proposed a three-day cease-fire around the anniversary. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized this proposal, referring to it as "top-level cynicism," given the continuous assaults on Ukraine. While Zelensky has shown willingness for a cease-fire lasting at least one month, Putin has indicated disinterest in a brief cessation, favoring a long-term agreement.



Putin hopes nuclear weapons ‘will not be required’ in Ukraine

Russia has the strength and resources to finish its operation in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin said in remarks published on Sunday, coming as Russian drones struck homes in Kiev overnight, according to Ukrainian officials. They said children were among those injured, and released videos said to show the central city of Cherkassy, saying it was also attacked. Reuters could not verify the location or date of the footage. Moscow has denied targeting civilians after it began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago. In a state TV documentary aired on Sunday about the Russian president, Putin was asked about the risk of nuclear escalation. They wanted to provoke us so that we made mistakes, Putin said. There has been no need to use those weapons, he added, and I hope they will not be required. The president also said his country has quote enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion, with the outcome Russia requires. The carefully choreographed film was released as the Kremlin announced that China's President Xi Jinping will make an official visit to Russia next week. He will be taking part in the 80th anniversary celebrations, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Russian armed forces were seen holding rehearsals on Saturday ahead of a massive military parade set for May 9. Putin has proposed a three-day cease-fire with Ukraine around the anniversary. In a social media post on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it top-level cynicism, saying, quote, the Russians are calling for a cease-fire, while striking Ukraine every single day, with thousands of drone and bomb attacks launched this week alone. Zelensky, who was in Prague on Sunday to meet his Czech counterpart, has said he is ready for a truce if it would last at least a month. But Putin has ruled that out in the near term, saying he wants a long-term settlement, not a brief pause.

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Ukraine Invasion