PUTIN: RUSSIAN STRIKES ON UKRAINE EFFECTIVE

MOSCOW, AUGUST 22 /SRNA – RIA Novosti/ — Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russian strikes on targets in Ukraine are effective and timely, and are hampering the operations of the Ukrainian military.

"Of course, these strikes are effective. They are timely and undoubtedly help our fighters, our men, our heroes on the front lines to accomplish the combat missions assigned to them," Putin said in an interview with journalist Pavel Zarubin. He added that strikes on targets in Ukraine have a direct and positive impact on the situation at the front. "The strikes disrupt the delivery of equipment and ammunition and the rotation of troops along the line of contact. They undermine the ability of defense industry enterprises to improve their weapons," the Russian president said. He said that Kyiv and its Western backers' attempt to defeat Russia within 40 days was another gamble. "Weapons development is taking place not only with the support but also with the direct involvement of Western sponsors," Putin said. He pointed out that Ukraine had publicly stated that the aim of its attacks was to undermine the unity of the Russian people and the cohesion of Russian society, adding that neo-Nazis in particular take pleasure in committing crimes against civilians. Putin said that the loss of every person is always a tragedy for their family, loved ones and the entire country.