MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. Russian forces are dictating the action in the special military operation zone, President Vladimir Putin said at a board meeting of the Defense Ministry.

"When assessing the current situation on the ground along the line of contact, it is safe to say that our forces hold the initiative. In essence, we act as we see fit," he pointed out.

The president added that Russian commanders "stick to tactics of active defense where they believe it appropriate." "We are also improving our positions where we need to," Putin concluded.