Moscow, 8 October (H.S.): Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday that Russian forces have captured almost 5,000 square kilometres (approximately 1,930 square miles) of Ukrainian territory in 2025, asserting that Moscow retains complete strategic initiative on the battlefield.

Speaking at a meeting with top military commanders, Putin said Ukrainian forces were retreating across the front and that Kyiv’s attempts to strike deep into Russian territory would not change the situation. He reported liberation of approximately 4,900 square kilometres and 212 localities so far this year.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of using oil tankers not just for generating revenue to support the war, but also for intelligence gathering and sabotage operations.

Citing a briefing from Ukraine’s foreign intelligence chief, Zelenskyy said Russia employed tankers from a so-called “shadow fleet” to conduct reconnaissance and destabilising activities in Europe, including launching drones from these vessels. He emphasized that Ukraine is working closely with its allies to counter these efforts and called for a robust international response.

This escalation reflects the ongoing intense conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides continuing military and intelligence operations as the war enters its fourth year.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar