Vladimir Putin has implied that a veteran of the conflict in Ukraine could be his successor, noting that he is appointing battle-hardened individuals from his failed invasion to key government and parliamentary positions.
During a meeting with party leaders, the 72-year-old mentioned that veterans of military operations are now entering parliament and will play a significant role in shaping the future leadership. Putin emphasized the importance of selecting individuals who demonstrate unwavering dedication to serving their country, even at the risk of their own well-being.
The Russian president expressed gratitude for the inclusion of war-experienced individuals in political roles, as recent images from the Kursk region displayed a graveyard of military equipment along the ‘Road of Death,’ near the Ukrainian border. The scene included destroyed Ural military trucks, ISDM mine laying systems, UAZ vans, and Ladas.
In a related development, Ukrainian special forces conducted a strike on a Russian logistics hub in the same war-torn area, causing significant damage to ammunition and weapons stores. Despite facing challenges in expanding territory, Putin intensified his actions against Ukraine, including launching a drone attack intercepted by air defenses in Kyiv.
Moreover, Putin conducted nuclear submarine drills in the Sea of Okhotsk, showcasing submarine capabilities in launching cruise missiles at sea targets. These military maneuvers occurred as former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment in Putin’s actions.
As tensions persist, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia for targeting civilians amid global calls for peace. Zelensky urged Russia to heed diplomatic solutions and cease hostilities, emphasizing the need for decisive actions to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.