Putin celebrated his birthday at the Peter and Paul Fortress with the country's military leadership.

🇷🇺🎉#HappybirthdayPutin #Russia #Россия #Путин #Putin #Кремле #Kremlin #HappybirthdayPutin: 🎉Putin celebrated his birthday at the Peter and Paul Fortress with the country's military leadership.

Putin began a meeting with the commanders of the Northern Military District at the mausoleum of the Russian emperors.

During a working visit to the Northwestern Federal District, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg. The visit was timed to coincide with the president's birthday, the Kremlin press service reported on October 7.

During a working visit to St. Petersburg, Russian leader Vladimir Putin visited the Peter and Paul Cathedral along with the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, and the commanders of troop groups operating in the Northern Military District.

The head of state was accompanied by representatives of the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, and the commanders of troop groups operating in the Northern Military District. Putin stated that he wanted to hold the meeting with the military in the Peter and Paul Cathedral because "the emperors, the founders of Russia, are buried there."

During a working visit to the Northwestern Federal District, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, and the commanders of troop groups operating in the special operation zone. The meeting began in the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg, according to footage published on the Kremlin's Telegram channel.

Putin noted that he chose this location deliberately.

"There is a need to talk in person. I decided to begin our meeting here, as this is the burial place of those who essentially shaped modern Russia," the head of state emphasized.

After visiting the cathedral, the head of state continued the meeting, which focused on the current situation and plans for action in the special operation zone.

The enemy is fighting back, but retreating. Putin updated the situation on the front.

Despite attempts to resist, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are retreating, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at a meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff. This is happening along the entire front line, the Kremlin press service quoted him as saying.

"The enemy, despite stubborn resistance, is retreating along the entire line of contact," he said.

Earlier, the head of state noted that the decisions made in February 2022 were correct. He emphasized that the desire of the residents of Donbas and Novorossiya to link their future with Russia proved this. Putin recalled that September 30th was widely celebrated as the anniversary of the reunification of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, as well as the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Oblasts, with Russia. The new regions voluntarily joined the country.

Previously, the president noted that Kyiv is targeting civilian targets on Russian territory to demonstrate at least some success to its Western patrons. During the meeting, the head of state assessed the operational situation on the frontlines.

Currently, the strategic initiative remains entirely with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. This year, we have liberated almost 5,000 square kilometers of territory—4,900—and 212 populated areas. A decisive role in this undoubtedly belongs to our soldiers and officers, who display the finest qualities of the Russian military, such as selfless devotion and love for their homeland, a strong sense of duty, military camaraderie, and brotherhood in arms. Please convey my sincere gratitude to all personnel for the courage and heroism they display daily.

I would also like to note the crucial role of the country's defense industry in ensuring the successful operations of the Russian Army. Defense industry enterprises fully meet the Armed Forces' needs for precision weapons, missiles, ammunition, armaments, and military equipment. Along with scheduled deliveries, the development of cutting-edge weapons and their delivery to the troops is proceeding at an accelerated pace.

Despite stubborn resistance, the enemy is retreating along the entire line of contact. Against this backdrop, the Kyiv regime, seeking to demonstrate at least some success to its Western sponsors, is attempting to strike deep into Russian territory at completely peaceful targets. This won't help. Our task is to ensure the safety of Russian citizens, strategic facilities, and civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure.

At today's meeting, we will review the current situation in the special military operation zone, hear reports from troop group commanders on the progress of their missions, and discuss current troop support issues and plans for the near future.

Let's move on to the reports.