Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukrainians and Russians are “one people” and that Ukrainians are “threatened and brainwashed”.
The Russian leader said the invasion was “going to plan” and praised his soldiers as “real heroes”.
He made the comments during a televised address on Thursday.
“All objectives that were set are being resolved or achieved successfully” he said.
However, Western intelligence suggests have said the invasion is behind the Kremlin’s schedule due to logistical problems, tactical mistakes, and a stronger-than-expected response from Ukraine.
He also repeated baseless claims that Russia is fighting “neo-Nazis” in Ukraine.
“Now on Ukrainian territory, our soldiers, and officers are fighting for Russia, for a peaceful life for the citizens of Donbass, for the denazification and demilitarization of Ukraine, so that we can’t be threatened by an anti-Russia right on our borders that the West has been creating for years,” he said.
Mr Putin said he will destroy this “Anti-Russia” created by the West.
A war crimes investigation into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been launched after Boris Johnson personally accused Vladimir Putin of committing atrocities over the bombardment of cities. Ukraine has said more than 2,000 civilians have died, although this figure cannot be verified.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) opened an investigation on Wednesday night after Britain and 37 allies referred Moscow over what the Prime Minister described as “abhorrent” attacks. The invasion has entered its eighth day.
Residents of the Ukrainian port city are trying to survive a relentless barrage of Russian shelling in homes without power and water with their city surrounded by Russian forces.
Russia has captured its first major city of Kherson after fierce fighting.
