Putin Claims 5,000 sq km Gain in 2025, Warns US on Missile Escalation

Moscow – President Vladimir Putin announced a significant territorial gain for Russian forces in Ukraine this year, claiming the capture of nearly 5,000 square kilometers. This assertion was made during a high-level meeting with his top military commanders, where he sought to project an image of strength and steady progress in the ongoing conflict.
According to the Russian leader, Moscow now holds the “complete strategic initiative” on the battlefield. He confidently stated that this momentum would not be derailed by any Ukrainian attempts to conduct strikes deep within Russian territory, dismissing such actions as ineffective against his country’s overarching military objectives.
Meanwhile, a new front of accusations opened from Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alleged that Russia is engaging in covert operations using its civilian oil tanker fleet. He claimed these vessels are being repurposed for intelligence gathering and to carry out sabotage missions, expanding the conflict into a new, clandestine domain.
In a post on Telegram, Zelenskyy expressed determination to counter this threat, stating that Ukraine is actively collaborating with its international partners. “It is entirely possible to stop this,” he affirmed, indicating a coordinated effort is underway to address the alleged misuse of commercial ships.
The geopolitical tensions were further heightened by Putin’s direct warning to Washington. He stated that any supply of Tomahawk long-range missiles to Ukraine would trigger a “qualitatively new stage of escalation.” Putin argued their use would require direct US military involvement, an act he claimed would lead to the complete destruction of the relationship between Moscow and Washington.