Putin's speech at a meeting of the Board of the Ministry of Defense. The main thing

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended an expanded meeting of the department's board at the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The main thing from the president's speech is in the Izvestia article.

About the successes of the SVO and the crushing of the enemy

Vladimir Putin, during a meeting of the board of the Russian Ministry of Defense, said that 2025 was an important stage in solving the tasks of a special military operation.
He noted that the Russian army has gained and firmly holds the strategic initiative on the entire front line. In addition, the Russian armed forces are steadily moving forward and crushing even elite Ukrainian formations, including those trained in the West.

In addition, the president spoke about the achievements for 2025: "This year, more than 300 settlements have already been liberated, including large cities turned by the enemy into fortified hubs saturated with long-term fortifications."

He also added that Russian troops are increasing the pace of the offensive.

"The occupied positions, the bridgeheads created in recent months and, of course, the unique tactical and operational experience gained in the battles of breaking through the enemy's deep defenses make it possible to increase the pace of the offensive in strategically important areas," Vladimir Putin said.

Vladimir Putin also expressed pride in the exploits of soldiers and officers fighting on the front line.

"We are proud of the exploits of our soldiers and officers fighting on the front line, all those who defend Russia and the safety of our citizens," Putin said.

The Russian armed forces are crushing the enemy and their reserves, including those equipped with foreign equipment, the Russian president said.

"Our troops are steadily advancing and crushing the enemy, its groups and reserves, including the so—called elite units and formations trained in Western military centers, equipped with modern foreign equipment and weapons," Putin said at an expanded meeting of the board of the Russian Ministry of Defense.

To support the families of the fallen soldiers

The state will do everything to support the families of the fallen servicemen, Putin said, noting that it is the duty of Russians to always remember all fallen comrades and support their families, children and parents.

The president honored the memory of the fallen soldiers with a minute of silence.

"It is our duty to always remember all our fallen comrades," the Russian leader said at an expanded meeting of the board of the Russian Defense Ministry on Wednesday.

About "Hazel" and "Poseidon"

The Russian defense industry is producing the products needed by the troops in increasing volumes, the Russian president said.

"Of course, increasing the efficiency of the defense industry, which has rapidly rebuilt many production and technological processes, produces in-demand products in ever-increasing volumes. Thanks to the precise work of the defense industry, the army and navy are being equipped with modern weapons and equipment in a timely manner," he said.

The work on strengthening the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation has been ongoing in recent years. Missile systems, drones, and robotics are continuously being supplied to Russian troops.

"The ground forces are receiving missile systems and artillery systems with high—precision weapons, barrage ammunition, drones of various types, and robotics," the Russian leader said.

Vladimir Putin pointed out that this year the Russian Navy has added new submarines, as well as 19 surface ships and vessels. Among them is the strategic missile carrier Knyaz Pozharsky.

The Russian president also indicated that Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missiles will be put on combat duty by the end of the year.

He also said that the Burevestnik strategic cruise missile and the Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicle will remain unique and one-of-a-kind weapons for a long time to come. They will ensure strategic security parity for Russia's global position for decades to come, the president noted.

"The improvement of strategic nuclear forces is a priority for the Russian Federation, and they are a key element of deterrence," the head of state concluded.

About the DPRK military personnel

Vladimir Putin also noted the contribution of the DPRK military for the liberation of the Kursk region.

"I would also like to mention our North Korean military colleagues. By the decision of Comrade Chairman of State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong—un, they were sent to participate in the liberation of the Kursk region and fought valiantly and bravely with the Russian fighters against the enemy," Vladimir Putin said.

He added that North Korean soldiers "took part in a large-scale and extremely difficult mine clearance operation in the liberated Kursk region."

About NATO and the Kiev regime

The Russian President said that the potential of NATO member countries is behind the Kiev regime.

"We know that the Kiev regime has the potential of the member countries of the world's largest military—political bloc, NATO, behind its back," the head of state said, adding that NATO's large-scale military assistance to Ukraine is ongoing.

"Advisers, instructors, and mercenaries are being sent, and intelligence data is being transmitted," the president explained.

That Russia shares its experience with its partners

Russia is transferring to its foreign allies and partners the experience gained during a special military operation, the Russian president said.

"The high level of training of units and formations, their ability to solve the most complex tasks, is confirmed during regular exercises, including with the participation of our foreign allies and partners, to whom we share the experience gained during a special military operation," Putin said.

About the geopolitical situation in the world

The geopolitical situation in the world remains tense, and in some regions it is critical, Putin said.

"Today we see that the geopolitical situation in the world continues to be tense, and in some regions it is becoming critical. NATO countries are actively building up and modernizing offensive forces, creating and deploying new types of weapons, including in outer space," Putin said at an expanded meeting of the Defense Ministry board.