"The objectives of our special military operation will certainly be achieved," Putin said at an expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.
The task of creating and expanding a security buffer zone in Ukraine will also be consistently addressed by the Russian military, the president added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also said on Wednesday that 2025 has become an important stage in achieving the objectives of the special military operation.
"The outgoing year has become an important stage in accomplishing the tasks of the special military operation," Putin said at the expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry board.
The Russian army firmly holds the strategic initiative along the entire front line, the Russian president said.
"This year, more than 300 settlements have already been liberated, including large cities that the enemy turned into fortified hubs with long-term fortifications," he said.
The positions taken, the footholds established in recent months and the unique tactical and operational experience of breaching the enemy's defenses are allowing Russia to step up the pace of its offensive in strategically important directions, Putin said.