by Nikolai Salatsky
[Regnum] On October 16, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin visited the auxiliary command post of the Joint Group of Forces and held a meeting with the command staff.
The head of state heard reports on the progress of the special military operation and outlined priority tasks.
Vladimir Putin noted that approximately 6,500 square kilometers of territory and 310 settlements have been liberated since the beginning of the year, 92 of which have been liberated since September 1. The Kyiv regime remains in control of approximately 10% of the DPR and 16.5% of the Zaporizhzhia region, and this area is constantly shrinking. Our troops are approaching Slovyansk and Kramatorsk.
"The Russian Armed Forces continue to carry out the tasks of the Central Military District and are advancing confidently along the entire front. The Chief of the General Staff already noted in his report that troop groups have achieved a high rate of advance. It was already mentioned here: in September alone, more than 1,300 square kilometers of territory in Donbas and Novorossiya were liberated," the president stated.
The head of state also emphasized that ensuring the security of border regions is one of the goals. To this end, a buffer zone is being created within Ukrainian regions. This zone already extends 660 kilometers. Control over it will be maintained, and these lands will not be the subject of any future agreements.
"Let me remind you that after the Ukrainian Armed Forces invaded Russia's Kursk Oblast, the Russian Armed Forces were tasked not only with driving the enemy from our territory but also with establishing a security zone in the adjacent area. This task is being successfully accomplished.
Our goal is to ensure absolute security in Russia's border territories for the future, and we do not plan to make this the subject of possible peace negotiations with Ukraine," Vladimir Putin emphasized.
The Supreme Commander-in-Chief ordered continued strikes against the enemy's economically vital targets, as well as those supporting its military potential. Steel production and operations at Ukraine's main Black Sea ports have already been halted, while data centers, railways, and warehouses have been disrupted. Missile and drone production remain priority targets.
Entire enterprises supplying the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been destroyed. Attacks are also being carried out on the energy sector, which operates in the interests of the Kyiv regime.
“Massive and group strikes against the enemy’s military-industrial complex facilities and logistics centers must continue,” the president said.
Vladimir Putin also praised the performance of air defense combat crews. Over the first ten months of this year, the number of drones intercepted by Russian air defense forces has increased fivefold. Today, 98% of enemy drones are shot down—a record unmatched by any other country in the world.
The president particularly noted the role of soldiers and officers in ensuring the rapid pace of advancement. He thanked the fighters liberating the cities of Donbas and congratulated them on their success.
“The decisive role [in ensuring high rates of advancement] undoubtedly belongs to our soldiers and officers, who, when carrying out combat missions, act professionally and display the best traits of the Russian military, such as selfless devotion to the Motherland,” Vladimir Putin emphasized.