Vladimir Putin
Russian officials warn Putin of the critical cost of war and budget deficits. Ukraine is increasing pressure on the enemy's rear thanks to drones and EU assistance.
In the Russian Federation, 47,000 university spots were cut and tuition prices were raised by 30%. The authorities are introducing benefits for military personnel, incentivizing youth to choose the army.
The "Night Wolves" have opened new chapters in Europe to support Russian aggression. Club members are raising funds for the occupiers and spreading Kremlin propaganda.
In occupied Mariupol, residents are being offered unfinished housing or apartments belonging to legal owners. Refusing such options carries the risk of losing one's place in the queue.
In Beijing, Trump urged Xi Jinping to use his influence on Moscow to end the war. He requested facilitation of direct negotiations between Zelenskyy and Putin.
Kyrylo Budanov confirmed expectations of a visit by an American delegation to Ukraine and Russia. Negotiations involving the U.S. are ongoing and have not reached a deadlock.
The Russian dictator ordered to find those responsible for the attack on Starobilsk among the AFU command. Robert Brovdi and the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) Oleh Ivashchenko were named as the "accused."
Russia's economy has slowed to 1% due to sanctions and attacks on oil refineries. Russian business and politicians are openly declaring the need to end the war.
In May, drones attacked a record number of Russian oil facilities. This led to a drop in oil refining in the Russian Federation to its lowest level since 2009.
Zelenskyy stated that Russia has lost the initiative and noted a window for dialogue in January 2026. They aim to find a diplomatic path before the start of next winter.
The President stated that the Russian Federation uses drones to test NATO air defenses and reduce support for Ukraine. Kyiv intercepts such targets and warns its partners.
Rinat Akhmetov declared a movement toward peace and described the Russian troops as being stuck. He pointed to the technological backwardness and weakness of the Russian economy.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has summoned Ambassador Sergei Kopyrkin to Moscow due to Armenia's rapprochement with the EU. Putin is threatening tariff hikes and restrictions for Armenian workers.
Due to the war, Russia has lost 3% of its military-age men, while Putin hides in a bunker. Every subsequent step by the Kremlin only worsens the situation at the front.
In Galați, Romania, a Russian drone hit a house and injured two people. ISW claims a deliberate violation of the Alliance's airspace by Russia.
The Russian dictator believes that the situation on the battlefield provides grounds to speak about ending the conflict. Putin also blamed the European Union for the events in Ukraine.
Putin declared readiness to investigate the drone crash in Romania after evidence is provided. Romanian authorities have already identified the drone as Russian.
Moscow is preparing disinformation and the transportation of 100,000 voters to influence the elections. The Russian Federation is pressuring Yerevan due to Pashinyan's rapprochement with the US and the West.
Donald Tusk called the naming of the SOF unit after the Heroes of the UPA a threat to relations. In Poland, there are proposals to strip Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle.
Russia has allowed companies to purchase anti-aircraft guns and electronic warfare systems for drone protection. The mechanism was implemented to safeguard oil refineries and industrial facilities.
At the EAEU summit, Putin will discuss sanctions against Armenia due to its course toward the EU. Moscow is already restricting the import of goods and threatening to revise gas prices.
Monthly spending on the upbringing of Putin and Kabaeva's sons reaches 3. 5 million rubles. Foreign governesses are prohibited from discussing politics and LGBT issues with the children.
Richard Blumenthal hopes for a positive US response regarding the request for air defense. Zelenskyy sent a letter to Trump and Congress about strengthening sky protection.
The Ukrainian company Fire Point is completing tests of the FP-9 ballistic missile and could strike Moscow as early as this autumn. The chief designer and co-owner of the company, Denys Shtilerman, stated that the new missile has a trajectory that is difficult to intercept and is capable of penetrating Russian air defenses.
Kaja Kallas and EU member states consider the appointment of a negotiator premature. The bloc is preparing its 21st sanctions package and focusing on strategy rather than personalities.
Putin failed to reach an agreement with China on the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline despite price reductions. The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports a drop in trade turnover and a lack of new investments.
EU ministers in Cyprus rejected Russia's attempts to choose a negotiator from Europe. Kaja Kallas emphasized that the bloc will present a united front in the negotiations.
The head of GCHQ stated that nearly 500,000 Russian military personnel have been killed. She also warned of an intensification of Russian hybrid attacks against Europe.
The EU fears that the Russian Federation will attack the Baltics or the Arctic to test NATO unity. Putin may resort to escalation due to heavy losses and the stalemate at the front.
Dmytro Lytvyn refuted The Economist's data regarding Ukraine's preparation for years of war. The Office of the President called this information a false plant.