Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday that all goals of the Russian military operation in Ukraine will undoubtedly be achieved, describing them as "noble" aims. He emphasized that Russia does not seek isolation from the world, declaring that isolation is impossible. Putin praised his soldiers in Ukraine, stating they are fighting with courage and efficiency. He noted that Kyiv has violated all Minsk agreements and that silence on the "genocide" was not an option, adding, "By initiating the military operation in Ukraine, we were protecting Russia and had no other choice."
The Russian president remarked that the genocide in Donbas, Eastern Ukraine can no longer be overlooked. During his visit to the "Vostochny" space launch facility, Putin stated that Russia will resume its lunar program, stressing that the country will carry out its plans in space despite external pressures. According to the Russian president, discussions are ongoing regarding the launch of the automatic device "Luna 25." Putin also confirmed that Russia will continue to execute all its space plans regardless of international sanctions.
These remarks from the Russian president coincide with the 61st anniversary of the first space flight in the world, which occurs today (April 12, 2022). Putin is visiting the Amur region in Russia with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, and the visit program includes inspecting the Russian "Vostochny" space launch facility. Putin highlighted that Russia and Belarus will jointly develop infrastructure in the space sector.
On April 12, Russians and the world celebrate International Day of Human Space Flight, commemorating the moment when Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin ventured into space in 1961. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2011 declaring April 12 as the International Day of Human Space Flight.
