New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said that his military campaign in Ukraine was a success and that he would not allow the country to become a ‘springboard’ used to threaten Russia.
Speaking at a government meeting, Putin, as quoted by news agency AFP, said, “The operation is developing successfully and in strict accordance with plans.” He also added that Russia had no other choice but to send troops, adding, “We will not allow Ukraine to serve as a springboard for aggressive actions against Russia.”
The Russian President also said that the West's ‘economic blitzkrieg’ against Moscow has failed, while telling his government to increase social payments amid what he called a ‘not easy’ period.
Notably, as Russia's military offensive on Ukraine entered its 21st day on Wednesday, an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the conflict was at a crossroads. Either an agreement will be reached or Russia will launch a new offensive, the advisor said.
On the other hand, Russia’s defence ministry said that there is some hope for compromise with Ukraine.
Meanwhile, in an unprecedented move, the Council of Europe on Wednesday expelled Russia from the continent's foremost human rights body over its invasion and war in Ukraine.
According to news agency AP, the 47-nation organisation's committee of ministers said in statement that “the Russian Federation ceases to be a member of the Council of Europe as from today, after 26 years of membership.”