“This year, we have liberated nearly 5,000 square km of territory — 4,900 — and 212 localities,”

Putin said during a meeting with senior military officials near St. Petersburg on his 73rd birthday.

He claimed Ukrainian forces “are retreating throughout the line of combat contact, despite attempts at fierce resistance.”

Russia’s Defence Ministry also reported the capture of two more villages. According to Ukrainian military officials, the front line now spans approximately 1,250 kilometres.

Ukraine has disputed Moscow’s claims, saying Russian offensives have failed to take any major cities this year. Ukrainian forces report gains around Dobropillia in Donetsk and in the Sumy region near the border.

Russian General Valery Gerasimov said forces are advancing “in practically all directions,” with the heaviest fighting near Pokrovsk and movements toward Siversk, Kostyantynivka, Kupiansk, and regions in the south and north.

Putin reaffirmed Russia’s original goals in the conflict, stating the operation aims at the “demilitarising and denazifying” of Ukraine.