Contents tagged with Putin

  • Zelensky accuses Putin of using talks as stalling tactic, calls for firm international pressure

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using "negotiations" to bide time to prolong the war and occupation. Zelensky noted that leaders discussed yesterday's conversation between him and U.S. President Donald Trump.

    He stressed the importance of coordinating diplomatic efforts to achieve real results, saying, "We're working with our partners to ensure pressure forces Russia into changing its behavior. Sanctions matter, and I'm grateful to everyone making them more impactful …

  • Kremlin: potential Zelensky-Putin meeting hinges on several preconditions

    A potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin could take place, but under specific conditions, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced.

    According to Russian state media, Peskov emphasized that such a meeting would only be feasible if "certain agreements" are reached beforehand. He underscored that the discussions should be seen as "a result of hard work by both delegations which needs to yield significant agreements from both sides." …

  • Russia faces setback as 'Baikal' aircraft project stalls amid rising costs and corruption allegations

    Russian officials have acknowledged a standstill in the development of the "Baikal" aircraft, a project personally overseen by President Vladimir Putin, which was intended to enhance the nation's connectivity amidst its geographical fragmentation.

    The authorities have admitted the failure of the "Baikal" (LMS-901) light multipurpose aircraft initiative, originally planned to replace the Soviet-era AN-2, first designed in Kyiv by the Ukrainian Antonov design bureau. Yuri Trutnev, the …

  • Kremlin: Russian delegation to meet Ukrainian representatives in Istanbul on May 15

    Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed Russia’s readiness to enter into negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, without any preconditions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov conveyed the message during a press briefing, emphasizing that the composition of the Russian delegation remains undisclosed, pending instructions from President Putin himself. "Nothing has changed in this regard. We will provide the details once we receive the relevant directives from the president. No …

  • Russia's key demands in upcoming Istanbul talks: 'denazification' of Ukraine and territorial claims

    Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov, has articulated Moscow's firm stance ahead of anticipated talks in Istanbul slated for May 15. Speaking at a press briefing, Ryabkov said that Russia intends to emphasize the "denazification of the Kyiv regime" and will push for the recognition of occupied Ukrainian territories as part of the Russian Federation.

    "The issues remain unchanged... Specifically addressing the root causes of this conflict, resolving matters related to the …

  • Putin's absence threatens Istanbul peace talks amid pressure from Zelensky and Trump

    Russian leader Vladimir Putin has derailed plans for a meeting in Istanbul despite demands from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump. After Zelensky expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Putin in Turkey, and Trump hinted at his presence in the city, the main question arose: Will the Russian leader attend? Today it appears clear that Putin is not planning to hold talks, effectively sabotaging the meeting.

    Zelensky is ready to speak exclusively …

  • Putin to skip Istanbul talks, Lavrov and Ushakov to represent Russia amid ceasefire tensions with Ukraine

    Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly not planning to travel to Istanbul on Thursday, reports Gulagu.net, citing sources close to the Putin’s  security. Instead, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov are said to be preparing to head to Turkey.

    According to Gulagu.net, if any (highly unlikely) personal agreement is reached with U.S. President Donald Trump, a visit by Putin could be arranged at any moment.

    However, for the time being, meetings are …

  • Ukraine insists on 30-day ceasefire before engaging in peace talks with Russia

    Ukrainian authorities have insisted on a prolonged ceasefire as a prerequisite for any negotiations with Russia, the so-called aggressor nation. "There is no point in continuing the killings, even for a day. We expect Russia to confirm a complete, lasting, and reliable ceasefire starting tomorrow, May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet," declared Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday, May 11. Responding to the Kremlin's proposal, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's readiness for negotiations. …

  • Putin draws parallel between Ukraine war and WWII, criticizes Western role during Victory Day parade

    During the traditional Victory Day military parade on Moscow's Red Square, Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn a controversial comparison between the ongoing war against Ukraine and the Soviet Union's fight against Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1945. "Russia remains an insurmountable barrier against Nazism, Russophobia, and anti-Semitism and vows to combat the excesses committed by the followers of these aggressive, destructive ideas," Putin declared from the podium on May 9.

    "The truth is …

  • Dagestan on the edge: rising tensions threaten Moscow’s grip as radicalization and unrest loom

    With the Kremlin preoccupied by military operations in Ukraine and preparations for grand parades, tensions in Dagestan—still part of the Russian Federation—are nearing a boiling point that could exceed the Kremlin’s ability to control them.

    Dmitry Steshin, a well-known Russian correspondent, paints a grim picture of the current situation in Dagestan: rampant radicalization, unemployment, a record-high birth rate, and the collapse of administrative verticals. In a post on May 6, he …