Putin Vows Support for Iran Amid US Tensions, Details Sweeping Military Strategy in Ukraine
Tehran - BORNA - Putin emphasized that bilateral economic, trade, and humanitarian ties with Tehran continue to expand despite complex regional conditions, noting that Russia remains dedicated to providing essential goods and assistance during challenging times.
Responding to recent remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warning that Russian airspace would become unsafe due to drone activity, Putin branded the threats as "an attempt at state terrorism." He reiterated that Russia will not negotiate with "terrorists" and confirmed that the Russian Armed Forces have been ordered to carry out large-scale retaliatory strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
On the battlefield, Putin reported that Russian "Zapad" forces have encircled a substantial Ukrainian contingent on the eastern bank of the Oskol River and commenced operations to destroy it. He added that Russian forces are advancing near Sumy and Zaporizhzhia, aiming to establish a security zone along the Sumy-Kharkiv border following Kiev’s incursions into Kursk. According to Putin, Russian forces captured nearly 270 square kilometers of territory and 15 settlements in the Donetsk region during August alone.
Addressing prospective peace negotiations, Putin noted that Russia welcomes substantive dialogue with credible intermediaries, including individuals close to former US President Donald Trump, such as Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner. However, he described Kiev’s current peace proposals as "bizarre" and attributed Ukraine's willingness to seek talks to mounting pressures on its financial and energy sectors.
On broader foreign affairs, Putin dismissed Western accusations regarding a drone incident in Leipzig as an internal political maneuver by Germany, criticized Japan for deteriorating bilateral ties over the Kuril Islands, and praised the growing economic clout of the SCO, which he noted represents one-third of global GDP.
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