Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to the objectives of the war in Ukraine during a meeting with military leaders, stating that Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory “will not benefit Kyiv.”

Putin said Kyiv is trying to give its Western backers the impression of success through its counterattacks, while its forces are being forced to retreat along the front line.

Footage broadcast by state television showed the Russian president dressed in a formal suit celebrating his 73rd birthday alongside military commanders wearing field uniforms during a banquet.

Following a series of Ukrainian missile and drone strikes, Putin emphasized the need to ensure the security of Russian citizens and protect strategic targets and civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities. He said, “This is our mission.”

Ukraine has been attacking fuel depots and oil refineries inside Russian territory. Although these attacks have caused damage, they remain limited compared to the destruction and human losses caused by the ongoing Russian war lasting more than three and a half years.

Putin said, “The strategic initiative is still in the hands of the Russian Armed Forces,” adding that Russian forces have seized 4,900 square kilometers and 212 villages inside Ukraine this year, figures that could not be independently verified.

He said, “Our joint mission remains the same: we must ensure all the objectives set for the forces are achieved.”

Meanwhile, Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov said the current priority for the Russian army is targeting Ukrainian missile and drone production sites, noting progress by Russian forces in the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.