Putin: Russia Won't Give Up Under Pressure, Must Fight

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Russia does not yield to foreign pressure and will fight for its interests as long as it takes, President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday.

"Russia was simply put before this line. Either give it all up or fight. But as long as we have people like you and the guys who are next to you, of course, we can give up nothing. (We) must only fight. Only [go] forward. Carefully. Calmly," he said speaking with soldiers of the southern military district.

During his meeting with soldiers, Putin also noted that there is still much space for improvement, including development and production of loitering ammunition, precision weapons and means of communication.

Additionally, the president stated that armed combat was inevitable under present circumstances, however, the active support of the people was essential and Russia could not live without it. Putin also urged soldiers to take care of themselves, if possible.

Putin visited the headquarters of the Southern Military District this morning where he talked to commanders and presented banners to army corps, including from Donetsk and Lugansk, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that the president also presented awards to servicemen who showed courage and heroism during the special military operation.

Putin Awards Commander of Russian Forces in Ukraine With High Military Award

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday presented a state award to Sergei Surovikin, the general in charge of Russia's military operation in Ukraine.

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Surovikin was awarded the Order of St. George, third class, for his courage, bravery and dedication. Mikhail Teplinsky, commander of the Russian Airborne Troops, also received a high military award from the Russian President.

On October 8, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu appointed Surovikin as the commander of the Russian Joint Group of Forces in the zone of a special military operation.

Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, following calls for help from the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Lugansk. In response, Western countries and their allies have rolled out a comprehensive sanctions campaign against Moscow and ramped up their financial and military support of Kiev.

Highlights of Putin's New Year's speech:

It is noted that last year was a year of important events that laid the foundation for Russia's future and independence.

He stated that the truth is on the side of Russia, which protects its people in its historical area.

I remind you that for years Western elites have been convinced of their peaceful intentions, including in Donbass, but are actually supporting neo-Nazis.

Thank you to the special ops participants for their grit and courage: millions of people are with you in heart and soul.

Express belief that Russia will overcome all difficulties, keep the country great and independent.

The Russian MoD’s briefing on the progress of the special military operation in Ukraine:

• Russian Forces eliminated more than 50 Ukrainian servicemen, as well as destroyed two armored combat vehicles and three pick-up trucks near Kupyansk;



• Russian servicemen eliminated up to 140 Ukrainian troops, as well as destroyed five tanks, seven armored combat vehicles and four pick-up trucks near Krasny Liman;



• Russian troops eliminated more than 80 Ukrainian servicemen, as well as destroyed two armored carriers, four armored vehicles and three pick-up trucks near Donetsk;



• The Russian Army eliminated up to 50 Ukrainian troops, as well as destroyed three infantry combat vehicles, two armored combat vehicles and five pick-up trucks in the Zaporozhye region;



• Russian Forces hit 75 Ukrainian artillery units at their firing positions;



• The Russian Army destroyed five US-made AN/TPQ- 50 radar stations in the DPR;



• Russian troops destroyed two Ukrainian artillery ammunition depots in the DPR and in the Zaporozhye region;



• Russian Forces destroyed four US-made M777 artillery systems in the DPR;



• The Russian Army destroyed a Czech-made "Dana" self-propelled howitzer in the LPR;



• Russian Air Forces shot down two Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopters in the DPR;



• Russian air defenses destroyed Ukrainian UAVs