Vladimir Putin, in a recent phone call with Donald Trump, conveyed that Russia will persist in its efforts to achieve its objectives in the Ukraine war, following the US’s temporary pause on arms deliveries to Kyiv. Putin, through his advisor Yuri Ushakov, highlighted Russia’s intention to address the underlying factors of the conflict, specifically Ukraine’s desire to join NATO. The Russian leader also expressed a willingness to consider political and diplomatic resolutions. Furthermore, Leonid Pasechnik, the head of the Luhansk region, declared its complete Russian control. Putin, during a public address on June 21st, mentioned that Russia is not insisting on Ukraine’s surrender, instead focusing on the ‘realities on the ground,’ while emphasizing the shared heritage of Russians and Ukrainians, yet acknowledging Ukraine’s independence.
