Contested
Putin says Russia is proud of heroes of the special military operation
In short
President Vladimir Putin said Russia is proud of the heroes of the special military operation, according to two state outlets. TASS and RIA Novosti reported the statement within a minute of each other on 5 October. Neither report stated where or when Putin made the remark, or what prompted it.
Why it matters
The statement was carried by Russia's two main state news agencies, which present the military operation and those serving in it in a positive light. Beyond the expression of pride, the reports give no policy, operational or personnel details that would indicate any consequence.
Key facts
- President Vladimir Putin said Russia is proud of the heroes of the special military operation. [ 1 , 2 ]
- TASS published the statement at 17:31 local time on 5 October 2026. [ 1 ]
- RIA Novosti published the same statement at 17:32 local time the same day. [ 2 ]
- Both reports consisted of the statement alone, carried under near-identical headlines. [ 1 , 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Where and when Putin made the statement, and on what occasion. Neither report includes a venue, date or event beyond the publication times.
- The full wording of Putin's remark and any further comments he made. Available text is limited to the headline of each report.
- What prompted the statement, such as an awards ceremony or a specific date in the conflict. No cause or context is given in either document.