(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that his nation has seized control of nearly 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles) of Ukrainian territory this year as the conflict, now over three and a half years long, continues to escalate.

Speaking at a gathering with senior military officials, including Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, in the city of St. Petersburg on Tuesday evening, Putin said, “This year, we liberated nearly 5,000 square kilometers, 4,900 to be specific, and 212 population centers. Our soldiers and officers played the decisive role in making that happen.”

Putin emphasized that Russian forces maintain full strategic initiative throughout the ongoing war in Ukraine.

He highlighted the defense sector’s “crucial role” in supporting the armed forces’ "successful operations."

Despite Ukrainian forces mounting “persistent resistance,” the president asserted that they are retreating along the entire frontline.

In an attempt to project some form of success to its Western backers, Putin claimed that the Kyiv administration is targeting civilian infrastructure deep within Russian territory.

He warned that such actions “will not help it.”

He also stressed that the primary objective remains the protection of Russian citizens, along with safeguarding key strategic sites and civilian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities.

At the meeting, Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported that the most intense clashes are occurring in the areas of Pokrovsk and Dnipropetrovsk.

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