Putin: Strategic defeat in Ukraine would mean destruction for Russia

(Patria) - In Russia, there have always been people ready to stand up in defense of the country, said President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with military personnel undergoing treatment at the Center for Innovative Technologies in Orthopedics, TASS reported.

"Someone from outside says: 'Russia needs to be dealt a strategic defeat.' What does that mean? Destruction. From time to time. However, there have always been people who stood up to defend the country," Putin said.

The head of state thanked the troops participating in Russia's special military operation, as Moscow calls the invasion of neighboring Ukraine, for standing up to defend the country this time.

Putin also emphasized that a special department will be formed for personnel who wish to study, and the relevant authorities will help them with enrollment in universities.

"There will be a special section for all those who want to improve their skills and expand their education. We are doing everything so that those who have the ambition and inner need to get an education or undergo training have the opportunity to do so," Putin said.