Putin Rules Out Negotiations With Ukraine

Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, have firmly ruled out any negotiations with Ukraine following a significant Ukrainian counteroffensive that has seen forces advance into the Kursk region. This marks the first time Ukrainian troops have launched attacks on Russian territory since the conflict began. Lavrov emphasized that talks are impossible under current circumstances, while Putin's silence on military setbacks continues a pattern observed in previous crises. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested long-range weaponry from allies to further target Russian military sites, asserting that such capabilities are essential for halting Russian advances. The Ukrainian operation aims to create a 'buffer zone' to protect its territory and compel Russia towards negotiations on equitable terms. Kremlin aides have stated that the possibility of future talks hinges on developments on the battlefield, indicating a tense stalemate in the ongoing conflict.