Putin Expresses Conditions for Meeting Zelenskyy Amid Ongoing Tensions

Vladimir Putin declared on Thursday his willingness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but only during a “final phase” of negotiations. He emphasized the need to conclude talks effectively rather than becoming mired in prolonged discussions. Despite his invitation to meet, Putin repeated the unfounded claim that Zelenskyy is not the legitimate leader of Ukraine.

During a round-table discussion in St Petersburg with international news agencies, Putin addressed NATO’s influence, stating, “We do not see NATO’s rearmament as a threat to the Russian Federation because we have the resources to ensure our own security.” In the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Russia has recruited thousands of North Korean troops to fortify Kursk, secured arms and ammunition from North Korea, and utilized Iranian drones and missiles while counting on suspected Chinese assistance. The stability of the Iranian regime is crucial for Putin, as its potential downfall would severely impact Russia’s military operations.

Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to participate in the NATO summit in The Hague from June 24-25, according to a source from the Ukrainian presidency revealed to AFP. “A decision will be finalized just before the summit,” the source mentioned, describing the event as “a chance to sustain support and advocate for a ceasefire.” NATO leaders aim to keep the summit succinct to avoid straining relations with Donald Trump.

In Canada, senior Ukrainian officials met with U.S. representatives at the G7 summit to discuss possible defense projects in Ukraine, supported by a joint investment fund initiated in May. These discussions included U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Following Tuesday’s Russian assault on Kyiv, the death toll has reached 28, with over 130 individuals injured as rescue efforts continue in demolished residential areas.

Russia’s defense ministry announced that its forces launched an Iskander missile at a Ukrainian military site in the Sumy region. However, Reuters could not verify this battlefield report independently or determine its timing. Previously, Ukrainian officials reported an Iskander strike on Konotop that damaged several apartments but resulted in no casualties. Ukraine’s efforts continue to expel Russian presence from Sumy amidst intense border skirmishes.

In Slovakia, eight individuals, including defense ministry officials, were taken into custody as part of a European Public Prosecutor’s Office probe into the potential mismanagement of €7.4 million allocated for military aid to Ukraine at the war’s outset in February 2022. Jaroslav Nad, Slovakia’s defense minister at the time, dismissed the police actions as “theatrical.” Slovakia’s current pro-Russia prime minister, Robert Fico, has shifted the country’s policies significantly since assuming office in 2023, halting military aid to Ukraine and visiting Moscow—a move that has sparked widespread protests against his Ukraine stance.