Putin Reaffirms Ukraine War Stance to Trump Amidst US Aid Pause

In a call with Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin underscored Russia’s resolve to pursue its objectives in Ukraine, despite a temporary pause in US arms supplies to Kyiv. According to a Kremlin source, Putin emphasized Moscow’s determination to eliminate the fundamental causes of the conflict, notably Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, which Russia sought to prevent with its 2022 military actions. Putin also indicated openness to political and diplomatic solutions. Concurrently, Leonid Pasechnik, the leader of the Russian-backed Luhansk region, asserted that the area is now entirely under Russian control – a claim met with differing reactions. At a public event on June 21st, Putin clarified that Russia seeks recognition of the existing ‘realities on the ground’ rather than unconditional surrender. He further asserted the shared national identity of Russians and Ukrainians while acknowledging Ukraine’s independence.