Russian president Vladimir Putin on Saturday said Ukraine's recent counter-offensive will not change Russia's plans, reports BBC.
It was first public comments after Russians faced sharp counter attack on Ukraine’s front.
In a rapid counter-attack, Ukrainian forces claimed to capture over 8,000 sq km (3,000 sq miles) in six days in the north-eastern Kharkiv region.
But Mr Putin said he was not in hurry, and the offensive in Ukraine's Donbas region remains on track.
"Our offensive operation in the Donbas is not stopping. They're moving forward - not at a very fast pace - but they are gradually taking more and more territory," he said after a summit in Uzbekistan.
So far, Russia has not officially declared war on Ukraine and only refers to its invasion as a "special military operation".
He also noted that Russia had so far not deployed its full forces.
But after Russia's recent losses, some pro-Kremlin commentators have called for more forces to be mobilized.
However, a recent leaked video which appears to show an attempt to recruit convicts to a private military company suggests Russia is struggling to find enough men willing to fight.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
