Putin stated that Russia wants to end the SMO with a result needed by the country.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia aims to conclude the special military operation (SMO) with an outcome that is necessary for the country.
He emphasized that Russia`s defense spending is directed towards this goal and not towards aggression against European nations.
Putin also noted plans to decrease military expenditures, which currently amount to 13.5 trillion rubles out of a GDP of 223 trillion.
He acknowledged that increased spending has contributed to inflation but highlighted that the authorities are actively working to combat it.
Commenting on the memorandums between Russia and Ukraine, the president described them as entirely different in substance, which he found unsurprising.
