MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. The Russian Armed Forces' priority for 2024 is to continue the special military operation until all of its goals are achieved, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said.

"Next year’s priority is to continue the special military operation until all the goals identified by the supreme commander-in-chief are achieved. Combat training activities need to be focused on efforts to train the newly formed units and ensure the combat coordination of formations and military units," he said at an expanded board meeting of the Defense Ministry.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the meeting earlier that Russian troops held the initiative in the special military operation zone, and are taking such action as they see fit. According to the president, Russian commanders are sticking to active defense tactics where they believe them to be appropriate and are improving their positions where necessary.