Russia says it is closely monitoring the U.S. decision to resume arms supplies to Ukraine, following President Trump’s latest announcement. The Kremlin confirmed no new talks are planned with Putin but said one could happen if needed. Trump warned Putin to accept a peace deal within 50 days or face secondary tariffs targeting Russia’s trade partners. Despite Trump’s assertive stance, experts believe Russia is maintaining a “stay calm and carry on” strategy, with little progress seen in ending the war diplomatically.

Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to prolong the war in Ukraine until Western nations agree to peace talks under Russia's conditions, according to Kremlin insiders cited by Reuters. Putin believes Russia’s economy and military remain resilient against Western sanctions. Since the war began in February, Russia has captured significant Ukrainian territories and is undeterred even after Western nations supplied advanced weapons like Patriot missiles. Putin’s demands include halting NATO expansion, recognizing Ukraine's neutrality, protecting Russian-speaking populations, and acknowledging Russian control over occupied areas. Ukrainian President Zelensky has rejected these terms. The White House blames Biden's failure to stop the war, while suggesting Trump’s harsher tariffs and sanctions might pressure Putin. Though phone calls occurred between Putin and Trump, formal peace talks have yet to start.

Starting July 27, Russia and North Korea will begin direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang once a month. The flight duration is expected to be around eight hours. The decision follows a bilateral agreement to reintroduce regular air service. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is currently in Tianjin, China, attending the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting.

Russia carried out a large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine, deploying 597 drones and 26 missiles. The assault, the fourth major one this month, hit multiple cities including Chernivtsi near the Romanian border, where two people were killed and 20 injured. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 25 missiles and 319 drones. President Zelensky called for stronger sanctions against Russia and enhanced air defense systems. June saw the highest civilian casualties in three years, with 232 deaths and 1,343 injuries.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed his country’s full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. British intelligence estimates that over 6,000 North Korean troops have died in Ukraine, with thousands more deployed alongside military equipment. The U.S. and South Korea have expressed concern that North Korea may receive advanced technology in return for this support.

Russia has launched its biggest air assault on Ukraine, with over 700 drones and multiple missiles targeting several cities, including Lutsk near the Polish border. President Zelensky condemned the attack as a major setback to ongoing ceasefire talks. The assault coincided with renewed U.S. arms support after a brief suspension. Despite regular talks between Trump and Putin, no progress on peace has been made. The U.S. plans to supply Ukraine with Patriot missile systems to counter Russia’s attacks.

Roman Starovoit, Russia’s former Transport Minister, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot in his car in a Moscow suburb, just hours after President Vladimir Putin dismissed him from his post. The official decree offered no reason for his removal. Starovoit had been appointed minister in May 2024 after serving nearly five years as governor of the border region of Kursk. The Kremlin has appointed Andrei Nikitin, former governor of Novgorod, as the acting transport minister in the wake of the incident.

Russia is exploring the possibility of waiving visa requirements for Saudi nationals, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced during a meeting with his Saudi counterpart in Moscow. Lavrov praised Saudi Arabia’s balanced foreign policy and peace efforts, noting a 570% increase in Saudi tourists to Russia. The two sides also discussed strengthening bilateral ties, the situation in Gaza, ceasefire efforts, and Iran’s nuclear program.

Within hours of the Trump-Putin phone call, Russia launched one of its most severe assaults on Kyiv, Ukraine, using a combination of drones and missiles. Of 539 drones launched, 476 were intercepted, but the attack left one dead and 23 injured. The city was engulfed in smoke, fire, and widespread damage. Local authorities described it as one of the most intense attacks in the past three years. Public anger rose over the Trump administration’s continued halt on military aid. The strike also worsened air pollution, prompting health warnings across Kyiv.

Russian President Vladimir Putin postponed his departure from a conference on Thursday to take a scheduled call with U.S. President Donald Trump—their sixth public conversation since Trump’s second term began. Apologizing to the attendees, Putin joked, “Trump might get angry if I keep him waiting.” The call occurred amid growing geopolitical tensions, as U.S. military aid to Ukraine was paused and Russia intensified its military operations. Reports also suggest Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was scheduled to join the conversation.

In a powerful open letter published by Reuters, eleven imprisoned Russian political activists have appealed to world leaders to stand with those persecuted for their beliefs. They claim over 10,000 Russians and Ukrainian civilians are currently jailed for opposing the government or supporting democracy.

The letter condemns Russia's repressive legal system, citing over 100 oppressive laws passed between 2012 and 2022. It calls for the unconditional release of ill prisoners and demands an immediate exchange of prisoners of war and civilians caught in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

A Yak-52 light training aircraft crashed in Russia’s Moscow region on Saturday morning, killing all four people on board, including the pilot and trainees. Investigators said the aircraft burst into flames after slamming into an open field. Preliminary findings suggest the crash occurred when the pilot attempted a barrel roll maneuver, and the engine failed. Russian news agency TASS reported the plane took off from Severka airfield without any flight clearance.

Russia has launched a hypersonic Kinzhal missile at a Ukrainian military airbase in the Khmelnytskyi region, targeting the Starokostiantyniv base. Alongside the missile, explosive-laden drones were also used in the attack. The Kinzhal, known in the West as the "Dagger," is one of Russia's most powerful ballistic weapons. While Ukraine has not commented on the incident, Russia confirmed six strikes on Ukrainian military sites over the past week. The ongoing conflict began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed readiness to reconnect with former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating he is always open to dialogue and meetings. Putin acknowledged Trump's willingness for talks and emphasized the importance of arranging such engagements. On June 14, prior to the U.S. strike on Iran, both leaders had their fifth phone call this year, discussing the Middle East. Previous conversations focused on restoring bilateral ties and resolving the Ukraine conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his stance that Ukrainians and Russians are one nation, claiming, “From this perspective, all of Ukraine is ours. Wherever Russian troops set foot, it becomes our land.” In response, Ukraine’s foreign minister condemned the remarks, saying, “Wherever Russian troops go, they bring death, destruction, and terror.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also warned that Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine to Belarus, the Baltic states, Moldova, the Caucasus, and Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, European countries and Canada have pledged to ramp up military aid to Ukraine amid continued delays in U.S. support.