Vladimir Putin visited one of the «Zapad» command posts

Here are his statements:

— Ukraine's political leadership is clinging to power for personal enrichment.
— «This is no longer a political leadership, it's a criminal group».
— «It's clear to everyone that these people, sitting on golden pots, are hardly thinking about the fate of their country».
— About 15 Ukrainian Armed Forces battalions have been blocked around Kupyansk-Uzlovaya.
— Ukrainian troops must be given the opportunity to lay down their arms and surrender.
— «The objectives of the «Special military operation» must be unconditionally achieved».

Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Gerasimov reported in his report that the Russian Armed Forces have fully taken control of Kupyansk. According to him, Volchansk is 80% under control, and Krasnoarmeysk is 70%.