Russia pledges victory in Ukraine as Kremlin seeks Central Asian military support

During the XXIII Congress of the United Russia party in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin pledged victory in the war against Ukraine. Putin expressed explicit support for the ruling party, describing it as the nation's primary political force, and emphasized the need for national unity and the contribution of all citizens toward achieving victory.

Dmitri Medvedev, the former president and current Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, issued more aggressive rhetoric, claiming that the Russian military will continue to recover increasing amounts of territory. Medvedev characterized Ukraine as a ‘ghost state’ that is nearing disappearance.

In an effort to sustain its military operations, the Kremlin is also seeking increased support from Central Asia. President Putin has ordered the initiation of negotiations to review military cooperation agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.