Putin believes main goals in Ukraine have been achieved — media

Reuters reported the information.

“Last year, Russia made its most significant territorial gains since the first days of the war, and now it controls almost a fifth of Ukraine,” the outlet writes, adding that Putin believes that the key goals of the war have already been achieved.

Among the main goals are control of the territory connecting mainland Russia with Crimea and the weakening of the Ukrainian army, according to one source familiar with the Kremlin's position.

Putin also acknowledges the strain the war is putting on the economy, citing “really big problems” such as the impact of high interest rates on non-military business and industry.

• Russian leader Vladimir Putin stated on Monday, January 20, that Moscow is open to dialogue with the administration of the elected U.S. president, Donald Trump, regarding the war in Ukraine.