Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (June 19) that he is willing to meet Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelensky, but that it is only the “final stage” of negotiations.
“Sitting there and putting an end to things rather than endlessly splitting them,” Putin told international journalists during a media briefing in St. Petersburg.
The comment came amidst the growing global concern that diplomatic efforts are losing momentum, as it strengthens Russia’s strikes against Ukrainian cities. But Putin’s broader tone remained rebellious, raising doubts about the integrity of the overture of peace.
“Military Target” claim despite civilian deaths
Putin has repeatedly said that Russian forces are focusing on attacks on Ukraine’s defence infrastructure.
“The strike took place on the military industry, not the residential quarter,” he argued.
The statement comes days after a missile strike collapsed the construction of homes in Kiev’s Solomiansky district, killing 23 people.
Warnings to Germany and the West
Putin also warned Germany of delivering long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, saying there was a risk of dragging Berlin into a direct conflict with Moscow.
“Our forces are moving along the entire contact,” he said. “If (Ukraine) does not agree (to Russia’s terms), the situation could get worse.”
Putin praises Trump and questions Zelensky’s legitimacy
Reflecting previous statements, President Putin questioned President Zelensky’s legitimacy. He also supported Donald Trump’s approach to conflict, saying, “If Trump were president, the conflict might not have actually exploded.”
Zelensky spurs global pressure on Russia after a fatal attack on Kiev
The devastating Russian missile strike in a Kiev apartment that killed 28 people and injured 142 people has urged a new call from Ukrainian President Voldimi Zelensky to the international community to raise pressure on Moscow.
The strike early on Tuesday struck multiple locations throughout the Ukrainian capital, with the most fatal damage concentrated in the Solomiansky district, causing missiles to collapse the nine-storey residential building, killing 23 people on the site alone.
“The attack is a reminder to the world that Russia refuses to ceasefire and chooses to kill,” Zelensky said during a visit to the wreckage on Thursday, where he was joined by top officials, including Chairman Andri Yamak and Home Minister Ihor Klaimenko.
Russia launches air barrage
The strike was part of a wider wave of air attacks. Overnight on Wednesday, Russia launched 104 Sharp and Decoy drones throughout Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, 88 people intercepted, clogged or disappeared from the radar, while others reached the target.
Russia launched more than 440 drones and 32 missiles in what President Zelensky called “one of the greatest artillery bombardments of the war,” according to Ukrainian authorities. The attack overwhelmed Ukraine’s air defense, causing widespread destruction and casualties.
Kyiv junta principal Tymur Tkachenko confirmed tolls on Thursday, calling it the capital’s deadliest attack in 2025.
“Operation” says Ukraine
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andri Sibikh responded sharply to Russia’s claims of openness to peace, calling them “manipulation.” In X’s post, Sybiha wrote: “It’s been exactly 100 days since Ukraine accepted the US peace proposal to unconditionally halt the US peace proposal altogether… Russia for 100 days will escalate fear towards Ukraine, rather than ending it.”
He added: “Ukraine continues to commit to peace. Unfortunately, Russia continues to choose war and ignores our efforts to end the killings.”
