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Putin Announces Dramatic Progress, Declines to Set Date for Expelling Ukrainians from Kursk Region

Dec 19, 2024, 10:10 AM

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced during his annual press conference on December 19, 2024, that the situation in Ukraine is changing dramatically as Russian forces advance along the entire front line. He stated that "the front line is moving every day," with Russian troops reclaiming territory by square kilometers. Putin emphasized that Russia is moving towards achieving its primary goals in the military operation. Addressing concerns about the presence of Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region since August 6, he assured that they will be expelled but admitted, "I cannot give a concrete date." He promised that once Ukrainian forces are pushed out of Kursk, "everything will be restored," including infrastructure, schools, and housing. Putin emphasized that there is no doubt about Russia's ability to accomplish these objectives.