MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. Russian forces hold the initiative at the contact line in Ukraine, despite all the aid the West has given to Kiev, which includes the newest Western-made weapons, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, speaking at the expanded Defense Ministry board meeting. According to the president, the special military operation has shattered the illusion of Western military equipment being invincible, but it has also revealed a number of issues that must be improved in the Russian Armed Forces.

Speaking about the US’ role in the situation in Ukraine, Putin underscored that Washington tries to use the "Russian threat" narrative to unite its allies, while Moscow has no intention of attacking NATO countries.

Here are the president’s key points.

On the West’s aggression

"The West continues to wage a hybrid war against Russia, actively providing the Kiev regime with intelligence in real time, sending military advisors, and handing over modern weapon systems."

Ukraine receives highly mobile multiple launch rocket systems, long-range missile systems, cluster munitions, new drones; F-16 planes are to be shipped to Ukraine and Ukrainian pilots are being trained in the West.

In addition, "NATO military activity" near Russian borders "has increased sharply." Finland has "already been pulled into NATO," and Sweden’s accession is planned as well.

On progress of the special military operation

Russian forces "hold the initiative" at the contact line, while Ukraine suffers "heavy casualties" and has depleted its reserves to a significant degree "trying to show its true masters at least some result of its widely advertised so-called counteroffensive." Meanwhile, all Western attempts to inflict strategic defeat on Russia have been "shattered by the bravery and resilience" of Russian soldiers.

The special military operation has destroyed the myth of the invincibility of Western-made military vehicles. However, a number of deficiencies have also been revealed on the Russian side. For instance, it is necessary to ramp up the production of drones, satellites, to improve air defense systems.

"Of course, our famous Pantsir, Buk, S-300, S-400 systems work flawlessly. […] But the things that we did not notice before […] - some little drones flying around. No, as it turned out, they inflict damage, too. And this must not be missed."

On the military-industrial complex

The percentage of modern military equipment in the Russian strategic nuclear forces has reached 95%; the state defense order is expected to be fulfilled to approximately 98% this year. The supply of tank vehicles has increased threefold this year, the supply of automobiles has increased by 4.5 times compared to the previous year, but "Russia needs more": "We need modern tanks, modern armored vehicles."

The Russian military-industrial complex reacts to the demands of the soldiers on the battlefield much faster and more precisely. The procurement of vehicles in particularly high demand for the special military operation has increased by 7 times; however, it is necessary to constantly analyze the demands of the fighters at the frontline. The Russian Armed Forces must be equipped with advanced weapons as well: "I mean robotized systems and combat lasers, weapons that involve artificial intelligence technologies and weapons based on new physical principles."

On social benefits for special op fighters

"My special gratitude goes to those fighting on the frontlines, who carried out their difficult service in the special military operation area." The Russian people support the special op fighters more than ever; most citizens have displayed their "patriotic mood," unity and solidarity.

It is particularly important that the system of allowances, compensation and benefits in the Armed Forces is improved: "This includes our work on residential and social programs for servicemen, on providing for military towns and garrisons."

There are still issues with payments to participants of the special military operation, they must be resolved: "All defenders of Russia, families of our fallen heroes, our comrades must receive equal guarantees. This is the principle of justice and equal fraternity."

No one in the world has military experience like Russia does. Those who obtained combat experience during the special military operation already take part in training of other servicemen, but these people can also be involved "in civilian jobs."

On the US’ role in the Ukrainian conflict

The US has "pulled" Russia and Europe apart, shifting the "load of financial responsibility" for the situation on Ukraine on the latter: "Meanwhile, the weak-willed, spineless generation of today’s politicians in Europe cannot stand against this."

The US "worked separately" in Ukraine, placing its bet on the nationalists and allowing them to "turn former Nazis into national heroes, people like [Stepan] Bandera and the like." Russia was forced to join the conflict in order to protect the people, while the West "watched with pleasure."

"In this sense, they have won over us, if we can say so," Putin noted. Now, the US promotes the so-called "Russian threat," afraid of losing its hold on the European continent. However, Russia had and has no intention to attack NATO countries. "Why would we need these NATO countries? We don’t need them, we have never needed them, we don’t need them now, and we will not need them in the future.".