Russia: No Let-Up in Ukraine Until Goals Met

Russia: No Let-Up in Ukraine Until Goals Met
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov moderates Russian President Vladimir Putin's annual press conference at the Manezh exhibition hall in central Moscow, on Dec. 23, 2021. (Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images)
The Associated Press
6/3/2022
Updated:
6/3/2022

MOSCOW—The Kremlin says it will press on with its military operations in Ukraine until its goals are met.

Asked how the Kremlin views progress in Ukraine 100 days into the war Friday, President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russian troops have succeeded their main task of protecting civilians in areas on Ukraine’s east controlled by Moscow-backed separatists.

Peskov said that Russian forces have “liberated” many areas in Ukraine from the “pro-Nazi” Ukrainian military and nationalist units, adding that “this work will continue until all the goals of the special military operation are achieved.”

Speaking during a conference call with reporters, Peskov was evasive when asked whether Russian authorities are planning to hold referendums in those areas to join Russia, saying that it will depend on how the situation evolves. Peskov and other Russian officials have said repeatedly that it will be up to the residents of those regions to determine their status.