Vladimir Putin

Ukraine carried out strikes targeting Moscow on the first day of Russia's presidential election, in which Vladimir Putin was expected to secure another term. The attack marked a symbolic escalation, hitting the Russian capital at a moment meant to showcase Putin's grip on power. Observers say the timing underscores Ukraine's ability to strike deep into Russia and challenge the narrative of Russian invincibility.

Vladimir Putin said Ukraine's provocations are fuelling tensions, according to a report carried by China Daily's global edition. The accusation comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to drive friction between Moscow and Kyiv and their international partners. No further details about the alleged provocations or responses from Ukraine were included in the available report.

The incoming Trump administration's NATO ambassador says Ukraine's attacks inside Russia are increasing pressure on Vladimir Putin to move toward the negotiating table. The comment underscores the new US administration's argument that sustained Ukrainian military pressure could help bring the war to an end through diplomacy rather than battlefield escalation.

Donald Trump delivered a hard-hitting address to the United Nations, but Bloomberg reports the rhetoric did little to move his main targets. China's Xi Jinping, Russia's Vladimir Putin and Iran showed no sign of being swayed or deterred by the president's bluster, underscoring the limits of Trump's UN platform in shaping the behaviour of US adversaries.

Russia has accused European governments of obstructing peace negotiations over Ukraine, while Donald Trump urged Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "settle" with Vladimir Putin. The statements highlight growing pressure on Kyiv to reach a deal and deepen tensions between Washington, Moscow and European allies over how to end the war.

The Times reports that Vladimir Putin is preparing a military base intended for so-called doomsday nuclear strikes. The report has drawn attention amid ongoing concerns about Russia's nuclear posture and the war in Ukraine. Details of the base's location and capability have not been widely confirmed, and the story is being discussed as fresh reporting on Russian nuclear readiness.

A Wall Street Journal report argues that a G-20 summit hosted by Donald Trump that included Vladimir Putin would amount to a diplomatic spectacle of historic proportions. The prospect of the Russian president attending a gathering of world leaders under US auspices is drawing attention, given Western sanctions and isolation of Moscow over the war in Ukraine.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about extending Serbia's gas supply agreement, and Belgrade says it hopes the deal will be prolonged. Serbia relies heavily on Russian gas, and the call signals continued energy cooperation between the two countries despite pressure on European states to reduce dependence on Russian energy supplies.

Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia is not preparing for a military conflict with Europe. The remark, circulated in English-language online discussions, comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and European states over the war in Ukraine and concerns in NATO capitals about potential Russian aggression. Reactions appear divided, with some treating the denial skeptically and others amplifying it as an official position.