"As for the counteroffensive, which is apparently stalling - it has failed completely. We know that in certain areas of the hostilities, however, the opposing side is preparing new active offensive operations. We see this, and we know it. And we are also responding to this accordingly," Putin said in an interview with reporter Pavel Zarubin, published on Sunday.
"What is currently happening along the entire frontline is called an 'active defense'. Our troops are improving their positions over a considerable expanse of this area, a fairly extensive one," Vladimir Putin pointed out.
"I would like to thank the Armed Forces, the leadership of the Armed Forces, but first of all our servicemen on the front lines for their bravery and heroism," Putin emphasized.
Putin Rubbishes US Speculation About War with Russia, China
"I don't think people in their right mind should or can have such a notion. But if they do, it only makes us wary. And even more so, to go to war with both Russia and China at once. [That’s] nonsense, of course. I don't think it's serious. They are just frightening one another, I think," Putin told the press.
US Goading Reluctant Europe to Clash with Russia, China
"We have already said many times: we are not uniting into some kind of military alliance, yet the Americans are doing just that. Moreover, they are forcing their allies to worsen relations with Russia and China," Putin stressed.
"They themselves have entered into a confrontation with China... They are dragging the Europeans down this path. The Europeans do not want to pick a fight with China. Europe's trade with China is persistently growing, even more than Russia-China trade. The Europeans do not want to jeopardize their relations with China, but they are being pushed to do so by the Americans," the Russian president noted.