Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday (19) admitted that the current situation in the four territories annexed to Ukraine is difficult.
“The situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics, Kherson and Zaporizhia is extremely difficult,” Putin said in a speech ahead of Russia’s “Day of state security agencies”.
He also instructed Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) to ensure the “safety” of local residents, Reuters reported.
“Any attempt to cross the border must be quickly and effectively thwarted with all available forces and means, including mobile and special forces,” Putin said.
Meanwhile, at a press conference following a summit with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, President Putin said, “Russia is not interested in absorbing anyone,” when asked about the idea that Russia absorbs Belarus.
In response, State Department spokesman Ned Price said, “These comments are coming from a leader who is violently trying to mop up his now peaceful neighbor” and said it should be treated as “the height of irony.”
Belarus has been indirectly supporting Russia since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, providing a training ground for Russian troops.
VOA news
*This article was taken from Reuters.
