Russian forces are taking control of Donbas ‘step by step’: Putin
(Update 1: Alters lead and headline, adds details)
Moscow, Aug 15 (EFE).- Russian and pro-Russian militias are seizing the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine “step by step”, president Vladimir Putin said on Monday.
“Today, in the course of the special military operation, our soldiers together with the Donbas fighters are doing their duty, fighting for Russia, for a peaceful life in the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics,” he said during the inauguration of the Army-2022 military forum.
These troops are “step by step liberating the Donbas,” he added.
“Our people are proud of our Army and Navy, of the professionalism and courage of their defenders.”
During the forum, Putin offered Moscow’s allies in Latin America, Asia and Africa modern weapons to guarantee peace and security in a multipolar world.
“Russia is ready to offer our allies the most modern types of weapons, from small arms to armored vehicles and artillery to combat aviation and unmanned aerial vehicles,” Putin said at the opening ceremony of the Army-2022 forum.
Moscow “sincerely values the historically strong, friendly and trusting ties with the countries of Latin America, Asia and Africa,” he added.
These countries “do not submit to the so-called hegemonic power, their leaders show authentic character and do not subordinate,” he said, adding that they are committed to sovereign development and to collectively solving regional and global security problems on the basis of international law.
Representatives of over 100 countries take part in Russia’s most important arms fair, which showcases hundreds of types of modern weapons in the Alabino military range and the aerodrome Kubinka, outside of Moscow.
Russia said it has exported $5.4 billion worth of weapons so far this year and plans to sell a similar amount in the second half of 2022. EFE
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