"Putin's Confirmation: Over 244,000 Russian Troops Engaged in Ukraine Conflict"

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that there will be no peace in Ukraine until his goals are achieved, reiterating the objectives of "de-Nazification, de-militarization, and a neutral status" for Ukraine. Putin offered rare details on Moscow's operation, dismissing the need for a second wave of mobilization and revealing that there are currently 617,000 Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The press conference, heavily choreographed and focused on spectacle, allowed citizens to phone in questions along with journalists. Putin's appearance is primarily aimed at a domestic audience, reinforcing his grip on power ahead of the upcoming election.