Putin Claims Full Control of Luhansk, Over 85% of Donetsk; Open to Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russian forces have achieved full control over the Luhansk People's Republic and have secured over 85% of the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic. He asserted that Russia is prepared to reach a peaceful settlement with Ukraine.

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The offensive is moving forward daily. The Russian Federation has taken full control – 100 percent – of the Luhansk People's Republic and has brought more than 85 percent of the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic under its control.

Putin stated that the foundation for such an agreement was laid during a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump. He indicated that Russia agrees with the compromises discussed at that meeting and expects Ukraine to consent to them as well.

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We are ready to reach an agreement with Ukraine by peaceful means, the basis for which was laid during the meeting with President Trump in Anchorage.

Furthermore, Putin revealed that Russia has not yet deployed its Onyx hypersonic missiles in actual combat conditions against Ukraine. The context of these statements comes amid ongoing conflict and international discussions regarding a potential resolution.

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Russia agrees with the compromises discussed there, and the Ukrainian side must also agree to them.

The article includes a tweet from NEXTA referencing a quote attributed to Putin: “If we sat down at the negotiating table, I would tell Zelensky: thank God it’s all over.” The tweet also mentions that the goals of the “SMO” (Special Military Operation) were to “burn down half of Russia’s oil refineries, impose a fuel blockade on Crimea, fertilize Ukrainian black soil with Russian flesh.”

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Russia has not yet used its Onyx hypersonic missiles against Ukraine in real combat conditions.