Putin says Russian military campaign in Ukraine ‘progressing successfully’

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the Russian military campaign in Ukraine is going “successfully”, he highlighted “the heroism of russian soldiers” and denounced that Ukrainian fighters have used foreigners as hostages.

“The special military operation is proceeding in strict accordance with the schedule, according to plans. All the proposed missions are fulfilled successfully”, he stated at a meeting of the Russian Security Council, according to images broadcast on television.

Putin — who always calls “military special operation” to the invasion of Ukraine– gave examples of the courage of some Russian soldiers, which he contrasted with the Ukrainian forces, whom he accused of preventing civilians from using the humanitarian corridors enabled by the Russian Army.

I accuse the Ukrainian military of taking foreign citizens”as hostages, including thousands of young students studying in Ukraine”, he added.

According to Putin, the Russian military “they set up corridors in all the zones of confrontation without exception, so that civilians and foreigners have the possibility of going to a safe place”, he indicated.

He denounced that the Ukrainians “they do not allow” to civilians use these corridors.

Putin, who appeared in a black suit and tie, assured that the government will compensate the families of Russian soldiers killed in combat with 7 million rubles (US $ 62,668), to which an additional payment of 5 million rubles will be added ( $77,722). “In addition, a monthly compensation will be paid to all family members.”, he indicated.

According to the president, all soldiers who are injured during the campaign will receive medical insurance and compensation.

Russia has so far acknowledged some 500 military casualties in the Ukraine campaign, while Kiev puts the number of Russian soldiers killed at around 9,000.