Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Obukhov State Plant in St. Petersburg, Russia, on January 18, 2023 (Kremlin website)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday the country's victory in the Ukraine war is "unavoidable", noting that the basis of this victory is the solidarity of the Russian people, the bravery of the servicemen, and the military-industrial complex operation.

Putin's words came during a visit to the Obukhov State Plant, a defense and heavy machine-building plant in St. Petersburg belonging to Almaz-Antey Aerospace Defence Corporation.

"From the standpoint of the end result and victory, which is unavoidable, there are several things that have not gone anywhere and that lie at the foundation of our victory. It is the unity and solidarity of the Russian people, the bravery and heroism of our fighters in the special military operation and on the frontline, and, of course, the operation of the military-industrial complex, of enterprises such as yours," Putin told the factory workers.

"Each of these links - the industry; the condition of state finances; the social sphere, including support to the families that require special attention from the state; healthcare - all this creates a foundation for our efficient development and victory. It is ensured. I have no doubts about that," he added.

Last Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country's special military operation was going positively, noting that its dynamics were optimistic and stressing that everything was going according to plan.

This comes after the Russian Ministry of Defense announced earlier on Friday that the town of Soledar was under control while assuring that this would block any possible routes to be taken by Ukrainian forces in Artemovsk - renamed as Bakhmut by Ukraine in 2016.