Moscow: President Vladimir Putin claimed on Wednesday that his decision to launch a military operation in Ukraine was a success and that he won’t allow the country to become a “springboard” used to threaten Russia.
“The operation is developing successfully and in strict accordance with plans,” Putin said during a televised government meeting. “We will not allow Ukraine to serve as a springboard for aggressive actions against Russia,” Putin remarked, adding that Russia had no choice but to send in troops.
Putin’s assertion came on a day when Russia hinted that a ceasefire could be round the corner.
Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov stated that negotiators are closing in on a peace deal with Ukraine about its ‘neutral status’, which could offer a solution to end the war which has been going on for three weeks.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, on the other hand, repeated his call for a no-fly zone over the country.
“If that (no-fly zone) is too much to ask, provide Ukraine with fighter jets,” said Zelensky who got a standing ovation while addressing the joint session of US Congress on Wednesday.
“Right now, the destiny of our country is being decided. Whether Ukrainians will be free. Russia didn’t just attack our cities, it went on a brutal offensive against our values, our right to live freely,” Zelensky said.
In another significant development, International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan visited Ukraine and held a video call with President Zelensky, the court announced.
