Putin reaffirms as objective the capture of the Ukrainian region of Donbas

MOSCOW, Aug. 16 (DPA/EP) –

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed that his goal is the complete takeover of the Donbas region.

Putin has affirmed this Monday – in an annual military forum near Moscow – that the Russian Army is fulfilling its tasks in the self-proclaimed People’s Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk.

The Russian president has assured that “the soil of Donbas is being liberated step by step” from the Ukrainian nationalists.

In addition, Putin has praised the work of Russian arms companies to equip the military with “modern weapons that today work for victory”, after exhibiting Russian tanks and missiles in the framework of the aforementioned military forum.

The Russian state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, has in turn stressed that Western sanctions are not currently affecting the export of military equipment.

Finally, Putin has asserted before his guests – who according to the Russian authorities are representatives of 70 countries – that Russia has partners “that show courage and character without bowing to the United States.”