'Russian forces capture less than 1% of Ukraine since 2022': colonel on Putin's claims

Roman Kostenko, Ukrainian lawmaker, Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, SBU Colonel, stated this on Espreso TV.

"It's simply ridiculous to watch and listen to this pathetic figure when, for four years, Putin has been broadcasting live to the entire world about Kostiantynivka, Huliaipole, and obscure villages in Donbas that are unknown even in neighboring regions, let alone in Russia or anywhere else in the world.

You can see the pettiness of a person who failed to organize his army, who completely botched this campaign, and whom Ukraine defeated decisively—and now they're content merely with getting close to some small district town," Kostenko noted.

According to the SBU colonel, there are tactical objectives, operational objectives, and strategic objectives. Leaders must think strategically. But Putin's army hasn't given him the ability to think strategically. At best, it only allows him to focus on obscure villages in Donbas.

"It's simply ridiculous to listen to someone who boasts about capturing a small town while claiming to command the second-strongest army in the world. In four years, he hasn't been able to advance through four Ukrainian regions because Ukrainians are destroying the Russian army.

Since 2022, the enemy has captured less than 1% of Ukraine's territory. Yes, it's bloody, yes, it's war, but strategically speaking—this represents the full extent of the Russian army's capability.

If we could bolster our weapons supplies, train our personnel, and motivate our people—believe me, we can reclaim our territories just as effectively as was done during World War II," Kostenko emphasized.

• Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia is supposedly ready to refrain from strikes deep into Ukrainian territory in the event of elections being held.