Putin has explained that Kiev's use of strategic reserves during recent attacks means it can be "stated with absolute certainty" that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has started.
The Russian president also observed that, so far, Ukrainian forces have failed to achieve their objectives and that their plans have been thwarted by Russian troops while addressing reporters on Friday.
He did warn, however, that despite all these setbacks suffered by the Ukrainian forces, the offensive potential of the troops loyal to the regime in Kiev has not yet been depleted.
"As to whether the [counteroffensive has got] bogged down or not, it can be said that all counteroffensive attempts made so far have failed. But the offensive potential of the troops of the Kiev regime still remains," Putin said.
This week, Ukrainian forces attempted to punch their way through Russian defenses near Donetsk and in the Zaporozhye region. The attacks have been repelled by Russian forces, with Kiev troops sustaining heavy casualties.