Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that “the strategic initiative is completely in the hands of the Russian Armed Forces” and that the military operation in the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson “is taking place in a progressive and sustained manner”. The statements came during a videoconference meeting with military leaders, dedicated to the state of operations in Ukraine, as reported by the Kremlin. Putin’s words come at a time when Moscow claims to maintain operational control over the advance in the four regions unilaterally annexed by the Russian Federation in 2022 and still the scene of intense fighting.
Peskov: «New presidential elections must be held in Ukraine»
At the same time, the Kremlin is once again questioning the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “the term of office of the President of Ukraine ended in May 2024 in accordance with the Constitution” and that, accordingly, “elections must be held.” Ukrainian authorities have suspended the electoral process due to martial law that has been in place since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Putin–Maduro phone call: Moscow expresses “solidarity” with Caracas
The Kremlin also announced that Putin had a telephone conversation with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. During the conversation, the Russian leader expressed “solidarity with the Venezuelan people” and reiterated his “support for the government’s policy aimed at protecting the national interests and sovereignty” of Caracas, in a context described as characterized by “growing external pressure”. The phone call is part of the strengthening of relations between Russia and Venezuela, linked by a political and economic alliance that is further consolidated in the context of global geopolitical tensions.