(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that his forces have taken control of nearly 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory this year, as the conflict between the two countries continues into its fourth year.

“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 said during a meeting with senior military officials, including Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, held in St. Petersburg on Tuesday.

He further claimed that Russian forces retain the strategic initiative throughout the ongoing war and credited the nation’s defense industry with a “crucial role” in supporting the military’s “successful operations.” According to Putin, Ukrainian troops are retreating across the front line despite demonstrating “persistent resistance.”

“Against this backdrop, in an attempt to show its Western sponsors at least some semblance of success, the Kyiv regime is trying to target civilian facilities deep inside our territory. This will not help it,” Putin added, emphasizing that Russia’s objectives include protecting its citizens as well as key strategic and civilian infrastructure, such as energy sites.

Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov, who attended the meeting alongside Putin, highlighted that the most intense fighting is occurring in the Pokrovsk and Dnipropetrovsk directions. He reported that Russian forces captured more than 200 square kilometers in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions since September 1.

Ukrainian authorities have not immediately responded to the statements, and independent verification of these territorial claims remains challenging due to the ongoing conflict, according to reports.

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