Putin: Russia Takes Control Of Villages In Kherson Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin. (PHOTO: RIA Novosti via kremlin.ru)

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country's military had taken control of Krynky village in Ukraine's southern Kherson region on Wednesday.

(Russian Air Force Commander) Mikhail Yuryevich (Teplinsky) reports that the settlement (Krynky) on the left edge of Dnieper (river)... is under our control," Putin said during a meeting with Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu as reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Wednesday, February 21.

Putin's statement, which has not been commented on by Kiev, comes after Ukraine on Saturday (18/2) announced its troop withdrawal from the frontline city, Avdivka, to "avoid the siege," and save the lives of its soldiers.

Russia said it took over the city on the same day.

"I believe this (distribution of troops) was carried out for political reasons to cover the setback and make it look like an organized troop withdrawal," he said.

Putin praised the overall situation in Avdivka as a "full success," and needs to be developed through good preparation and equipped with personnel, weapons, equipment, and ammunition.

Putin rejects claims that Western Moscow intends to deploy nuclear weapons in space. He said Russia firmly opposed such ideas.

"On the other hand, we call for compliance not only with all existing agreements in this field, but also propose to strengthen this cooperation," he added.

Putin also reiterated Russia is not against negotiations with Ukraine and that Moscow does not interfere with dialogue with Kiev.

"Ukraine is the one who interfered with dialogue and on direct orders from London and Washington," Putin said.