MOSCOW – Addressing a rally supporting the war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin considered the recent escalation in combat intensity and announced it “smells like victory.”

“We have turned a corner towards final triumph,” said Putin. He called the “unfortunate” destruction of Ukrainian cities, nuclear sites, hospitals, theaters, and use of hypersonic weapons all signs of Russian success. “Military violence means political victory, all my closest advisors tell me this every day.”

Putin claimed Russian forces have achieved “all the objectives that I feel like naming” for control of approximately 10% of Ukraine territory. “And that only required 75% of our total armed forces,” said Putin. “It took years for similar success in Afghanistan. When our soldiers surrender, Ukrainians offer them food and tea. This proves their gratitude for Russian security.”