Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about the Ukraine conflict and tensions with the West during a meeting with service members at the Kremlin on Friday.

The event took place on Russia Day, a public holiday commemorating Russia’s declaration of state sovereignty on June 12, 1990, a year before the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

The president spoke about technologies designed to give Russian troops an edge on the battlefield, as well as the country’s overall economic resilience. He also pointed to what he described as mistakes made by the West in its approach to the conflict.

Offensive in Ukraine

Around 700,000 soldiers are involved in the campaign against Ukraine, Putin said, noting that the army continues to steadily advance along the front line. He expressed confidence that Moscow would succeed in liberating parts of Donbass that remain under Ukrainian control.

“Step by step, although not as quickly as we would like, we are nevertheless advancing every day and gradually gaining control over territory. We will accomplish our objectives. There can be no doubt about that,” he said.

Putin reiterated that Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 after “it became clear” that Kiev would not uphold the 2014-2015 Minsk agreements between Ukraine and the then-breakaway Donbass republics, which have since voted to become part of Russia.

AI drones

Russian defense companies are “actively working” on new drones, including systems incorporating AI technology, Putin said, adding that the results would become visible “in the near future.”

He said the Russian Defense Ministry was being transformed into a “high-tech institution,” while authorities were streamlining procurement procedures and reducing red tape.

Starlink rival

Putin said a low-Earth-orbit satellite communications system currently being developed in Russia could outperform Elon Musk’s Starlink, which is extensively used by Ukraine.

“It is every bit as good as Starlink, possibly even better,” he said, referring to the Rassvet (Sunrise) system being developed by Russian aerospace firm Bureau 1440.

In March, the company launched the first 16 satellites of a planned constellation expected to include more than 250 satellites by late 2027 and around 900 by 2035.

Alone against NATO

“Russia is effectively standing alone against NATO,” Putin said, arguing that all members of the US-led military bloc were de facto involved in the conflict through their military support for Ukraine.

“Together, they thought they could quickly inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. They have not succeeded, and they never will,” he said.

Putin added that the West would fail to divide Russian society or undermine the country’s economy.

The president said Ukraine’s long-range strikes were “unable to cause serious problems” and that the affected regions were “recovering quickly” from the damage. Putin added that Russia “would intensify strikes on [Ukrainian] infrastructure” in an effort to deter attacks on civilian targets.

Advice for the West

Putin urged Western officials to abandon ultimatums in favor of negotiations.

“We can offer only one piece of advice to our adversaries: never attempt to wage war against Russia. Let us all live in peace and resolve all issues through negotiations,” he said.

“We are prepared for talks, but only if our national interests are taken into account,” Putin added.