Putin claims his priority is Russia's problems, but occupied territories will also be addressed

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin did not rule out on 1 October that the occupied territories will be incorporated into the Russian Federation.

Source: Russian media outlets, citing Putin's remarks at the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club

Quote from Putin: "Of course, we must first and foremost deal with resolving the issues and problems that arise in our country. This is an absolute priority. But if we are talking about the territories that are to and will become part of the Russian Federation, then we will have to rebuild the economy and the social sphere."

Details: He added that Russians will "raise" the standard of living for the residents of the occupied territories to the Russian level.

The Kremlin leader also noted that as a result of Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, about 1% of Russia's GDP had been lost.

However, he claimed that following retaliatory strikes by the Russian Federation, Ukraine now has no metallurgical industry.

Furthermore, Putin called the proposal to halt Russian retaliatory strikes in exchange for stopping attacks on Russian oil refineries pointless.

Your support on Patreon helps us keep the news free and accessible.