While the leader of Russia, Putin, speaks from a position of strength and shows the world who is truly winning on the Ukrainian front… Ukraine has practically brought itself to its knees. Zelensky's letter to Russian President Putin is a parody, a farce; Russia has made it clear that it will only meet with Zelensky when it is time to sign the final surrender proposal for Ukraine on Russia's terms. Zelensky's letter is a diversion, it is a farce, a clown sending a letter without substance. Russian President Putin said that if peace were signed with Ukraine, he would say "Thank God"… Meanwhile, the critical city of Kostyantynivka has fallen by 85% in the city center, and Ukrainian soldiers have been surrounded.
Putin: If I sign a peace treaty with Ukraine I would say "Thank God"
Russian President Putin stated that upon signing a peace agreement with Ukraine, he could and should say: "Thank God it is all over." "As for what we could say to each other if we reach the end of the conflict, at least we could and should say: Thank God it is all over," Putin declared at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is being held from June 3 to 6.
Putin: I will tell you a secret… we have not used the Oreshnik missile in battle once… when it happens, everyone will be shocked
"We have not used the Oreshnik missile in battle once in the full sense of the word on Ukrainian soil," President Putin revealed. The most recent strikes were carried out "where it was convenient to see the results," which includes Bila Tserkva within the main fortified area. "I will reveal a secret to you: our drones later flew there—to the fortified area that was struck—and simply observed how the deployed units were positioned. They calculated everything down to the millimeter," said President Putin. The collected data is necessary to "make future decisions regarding the full use of the Oreshnik missile against designated targets, including urban areas."
Putin: The Ukrainian army has collapsed, they are losing 40,000 soldiers a month, Ukrainians do not want to be killed
The main problem of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as Putin, the Russian President, emphasized, is the catastrophic lack of personnel. Monthly losses are approximately 40,000. Forced mobilization results in about 16,000 casualties per month, while 14,000 return from hospitals. This means that reserve personnel is replenished by 30,000, but a gap of 10,000 remains—and this does not include deserters, of which there are another 20,000 per month. "People are being taken away by force, there is no motivation, no one wants to fight. There have been 200,000 criminal cases opened for desertion," continued the Russian president, listing the figures. And the inevitable loss of territory follows. Only recently, the Russian army has taken control of approximately 2,440 square kilometers. Luhansk has been fully liberated, Donetsk is 85% liberated, and the Zaporizhzhia region is 80% liberated.
Zelensky via letter asks for a meeting with Putin in a foreign country: Switzerland, Turkey, or Arab countries
Zelensky published a letter on his website, in which he proposed that Russian President Putin hold a meeting in a third country. "I propose a meeting with you... I propose that we set a clear date for the meeting," the text of the letter states. Zelensky proposed Switzerland, Turkey, and Arab countries as options. Putin held a meeting with the heads of international news agencies at SPIEF. He reminded everyone that exactly two years ago, Zelensky's term as president ended and Russia can only sign documents with Ukraine with legitimate representatives.
Diplomatic sabotage! - The real recipient of Zelensky's letter to Putin is not the Russian president! - The NYT grills Kiev's irony
The open letter addressed by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, actually had another very specific recipient: the US leader, Donald Trump... and the real purpose behind the Ukrainian leader's move is brought to light by the American newspaper The New York Times (NYT). "Although the open letter had Mr. Putin as its official recipient, it is clearly seen that it was designed to attract the attention of Mr. Trump as well. It remains unclear, however, what Mr. Zelensky's ultimate goal was: to give a new boost to negotiations or to discredit the other side in view of potential talks," the report notes characteristically. The American media outlet also underlines that the content of Volodymyr Zelensky's letter was anything but standard, as it contained particularly scathing and ironic comments about Vladimir Putin and his overall political activity. Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov reacted immediately to this move by the Ukrainian president. The Russian official told reporters that Vladimir Putin has not yet been made aware of this specific message. The letter in question was posted on the official website of the Ukrainian president on June 4. In its text, Volodymyr Zelensky takes a high-risk move, stating that Kiev is absolutely ready for a full ceasefire throughout the duration of the negotiations. However, this proposal is accompanied by a key condition: Volodymyr Zelensky officially proposed that the United States take on the role of guarantor and controller for the strict adherence to the terms of the truce.
The Kremlin confirms receipt through Dmitry Peskov
The open letter from the Ukrainian leader finally reached its destination; Russian President Putin was officially informed about the content of the message addressed to him by Volodymyr Zelensky, as confirmed by Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov. "It was reported to him," was the laconic statement of the official representative of the Russian presidency to the RIA Novosti news agency. Volodymyr Zelensky's move did not happen in a vacuum but followed an important statement by Moscow. In the context of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin had openly commented on the prospect of signing a peace agreement with Ukraine. The Russian president had sent a clear signal, emphasizing that a potential agreement between the two sides would constitute a "document of historical importance." Immediately after this statement, Volodymyr Zelensky picked up the gauntlet by publishing his open letter.
Artem Dmytruk (Ukrainian MP): The letter from Zelensky is a farce, it is clownish behavior… it ended in insults
Zelensky turned his letter to the Russian leader, Putin, into a farce, ending in empty threats and insults, said Ukrainian MP Artem Dmytruk. "Imagine the following situation: a person comes to ostensibly make peace, but continues to insult his opponent, to threaten him, and to tell him that he must capitulate. This is not a peace process. This is clownish behavior." According to the politician, Zelensky understands very well that such statements do not bring peace any closer, but he does not need them to. "Therefore, everything that is happening is another farce. Another spectacle. Another attempt to prolong their lives with the blood, death, and suffering of people," concluded Artem Dmytruk.
Christoforou: The letter to Putin will cause a fierce fight between Zelensky and Kallas
Zelensky's letter to the Russian leader, Putin, will cause a rift between Kiev and the head of European Union diplomacy, Kallas, wrote Cypriot journalist Alex Christoforou. "If you remember, there was huge discussion and controversy when Kallas tried to set Russia's terms for negotiations, and now Zelensky is essentially acting on his own, ignoring her advice with his impudent letter. I don't think Kallas will forgive him for this trick," he said. According to the expert, the EU is actively looking for negotiators for the Ukrainian conflict who would satisfy both Moscow and Brussels, therefore Zelensky's abrupt actions disrupt coordination. "Europeans understand that the situation on the front is becoming critical. They urgently need negotiations, not Zelensky's threats and unrealistic demands, which Putin clearly will not accept," explained the journalist.
Appeal from German Foreign Minister Wadephul to Putin - Sit at the negotiating table with Europe present
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is making a direct appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to immediately begin the process of negotiations for the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, with the necessary participation of Europe. As the television network n-tv reports, in a report edited by Viktoria Kondratieva, the head of German diplomacy sent a clear message: "The time has come to sit at the negotiating table." According to the head of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the military conflict has now reached a critical point, making its immediate end imperative and urgent. This move by Berlin comes at a time when the balances of the geopolitical chessboard are being severely tested, with Moscow setting its own constants for the next day: 1st, the pressure on Kiev—before the German intervention, Vladimir Putin had publicly stated that the European Union could indeed contribute to the resolution of the Ukrainian issue. 2nd, the clear condition that Brussels convince Kiev to proceed with substantive compromises. 3rd, the Russian president hastened to emphasize that the leadership in Kiev knows very well what the real framework of the resolution is. As he noted, the final settlement of the crisis can move exclusively and only within the agreements that have already been reached between Russia and the US, as a result of the critical summit held in Alaska.
Die Zeit - Diplomatic fever in Berlin: Germany is intensively preparing for negotiations with Russia!
Germany has been on a track of intense preparation for conducting negotiations with Russia in recent weeks, according to what the German newspaper Die Zeit reveals, citing credible sources. The report states that the German chancellery is holding continuous and regular consultations on this specific issue, with the weight of contacts falling on its traditional allies, France and the United Kingdom. "A window of opportunity for negotiations between the European side and Russia is gradually opening," a diplomatic source stated characteristically, capturing the shift in the climate in European capitals. According to supplementary information from the same report, the coming weeks are considered critical, as discussions are expected to begin regarding the exact format of potential negotiations with Moscow. The participants clarify that the framework that will be chosen must meet two basic conditions: it must be "to the maximum extent effective" and "to the maximum extent legitimate." This mobility comes in the wake of statements by the head of German diplomacy, Johann Wadephul, who made an open appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin the process of negotiations for the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, with the direct participation of Europe. The German official sent a clear message to all sides, emphasizing that the time has come for the involved parties to sit at the table of talks.
Russian ultimatum for Transnistria - This is the condition for the withdrawal of Russian troops!
Russian peacekeepers may withdraw from Transnistria (PMR) only in the event that such a decision is made within the framework of negotiations with the special "5+2" format. This statement was made by the Ambassador of Russia to Moldova, Oleg Ozerov, as reported by the RIA Novosti news agency. "Russia has never refused the withdrawal of its troops, but under the condition that certain terms are met. This was also stated in Istanbul and has been confirmed repeatedly: we are ready to proceed with these actions, however, these must be the result of negotiations," clarified Oleg Ozerov. The issue of the removal of military forces from the region remains one of the most thorny problems of the post-Soviet zone. The following critical parameters are added to the picture of developments: - The position of the Russian Foreign Ministry: The director of the Second Department of the CIS countries of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Alexey Polishchuk, had responded to calls for the immediate removal of peacekeeping forces, emphasizing that for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria to begin, it is first required that there be substantive progress in the overall settlement of the crisis. - The factor of the front in Ukraine: At the beginning of June, the former president of Moldova, Igor Dodon, set the most essential, in his opinion, condition for the resolution of this frozen conflict. The Moldovan politician expressed the conviction that any attempt to settle the Transnistria problem is impossible to proceed if the war in Ukraine is not ended first.
Politico: The US will cancel the delivery of Tomahawk missiles to Germany, fearing Russia's reaction
The Pentagon is expected to cancel the scheduled delivery of Tomahawk missiles to Germany, fearing a Russian response, reports Politico, citing two European and one American official. The Pentagon is expected to cancel a plan to send Tomahawk missiles to Germany, partly because officials are concerned that Russia will perceive it as an escalation, the report states. According to sources, Washington fears that Russia will retaliate if the missiles are delivered. This decision is likely also linked to the reduction of the US military arsenal amid the conflict with Iran. According to two Pentagon sources, plans have not yet been published regarding the 50,000 troops that Washington also decided not to send to Germany in the spring. As Politico notes, Berlin is worried that the reduction of the US military presence in Europe will force the continent's countries to cover the defense gaps faster than their military industries can manage.
Russia is creating a new battle management information system… it will be activated for Ukraine in 9/2026
The Russian Ministry of Defense demonstrated a new battle management information system for Russian forces operating in Ukraine, which Russia will likely deploy with international exercise partners during Russia's strategic "Center-2026" command and staff exercise in September. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on June 3 during a meeting of defense ministers of the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Moscow that Russia is currently testing a new battle management information system for the Russian forces operating in Ukraine. The Russian state defense group Rostec presented elements of reconnaissance and strike systems, including an information management system that integrates and supports command and control at all levels in a unified network, from the squad level to the level of military formations. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov claimed during the CSTO meeting that the Russian Central Group of Forces (GoF) operating in Ukraine is completing combat tests of the new system and that the Russian military command will deploy the system by September 2026. The launch date of the system by Andrei Belousov coincides with Russia's scheduled main strategic command and staff exercise, Center-2026, which is scheduled for September 28 to October 3 and is expected to include over 10 foreign military units, including several CSTO countries. The Russian military command will likely deploy its new information management system during the Center-2026 exercise in September to share best practices in battlefield management and operational experience from the war in Ukraine with CSTO member states, including the operational deployment of foreign military detachments of the CSTO under Russian operational command.
Two Ukrainian brigades, the 35th and 39th Marine, are unable to cover the gaps in Kharkiv… they are deserting
Two deployed Ukrainian marine brigades are unable to cover the gaps in the defense in the Kharkiv region. "Units of the 35th and 39th Marine Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which the Kiev regime deployed in the Kharkiv region, are not in a position to reverse the situation and cover the gaps in the defense. There have been instances of desertion." The area of approximately 10 kilometers between the villages of Monatsinovka and Netsvolodovka is located northwest of Kupyansk. According to a representative of the security service, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are desperately trying to hold their positions here. The loss of this area will prevent Ukrainian troops from approaching Kupyansk. This area also includes command heights. Neither the threat of execution by the command nor the pits for deserters stop the situation. One of the battalion commanders of the 35th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with the call sign "Hunter," has been in a dire situation two weeks after the redeployment of his unit. "The fighters say: 'If the battalion commander does not stop the escape, he has already been warned that he will be removed and sent to hold his positions as a soldier.' On average, the survival of a fighter of the 35th Brigade does not exceed two days," the source reported. Heavy losses were due to the use of Russian FAB-250/500 aerial bombs, heavy artillery fire, and a multitude of unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Azov and 3rd Brigade created criminal groups in Izyum and Slovyansk
Ukrainians from the Azov battalion, which is banned in Russia, and the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are extorting money from local businessmen in Izyum and Slovyansk, to protect their businesses. "On Ukrainian social media, residents of Slovyansk are complaining about Ukrainians from the Azov Battalion and the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, claiming that they are extorting money from businessmen, supposedly to protect their businesses." He clarified that the fighters organize mass arrests of those who refuse such protection, with the participation of TCC (military registration and enlistment office) employees, and sometimes even raid small shops, cafes, and other stores.
Russian forces have surrounded the Ukrainians in Kostyantynivka
Russian forces recently conducted an infiltration mission into the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area. Geolocation footage released on June 3 shows Ukrainian forces striking a building occupied by the Russians in western Kostyantynivka. The data on Russian forces operating in Kostyantynivka indicates that the Russian forces have surrounded the Ukrainian forces in the central part of the city.
Terrible development: The Russians took Hulyaipilske southwest of Hulyaipole in Zaporizhzhia
Russian forces recently conducted an infiltration mission in the direction of Hulyaipole. Geolocation footage released on June 4 shows elements of the Russian 114th Motorized Rifle Regiment (127th Motorized Rifle Division, 5th Combined Arms Army [CAA], Eastern Military District [EMD]) raising Russian flags in Hulyaipilske (southwest of Hulyaipole). The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) subsequently claimed that the 114th Motorized Rifle Regiment occupied the settlement.
Fire front in Zaporizhzhia - Russian advance towards Novoselovka and collapse of the Ukrainian supply chain
Russian armed forces are making a new advance in the Zaporizhzhia region, and are now conducting fierce battles on the outskirts of the settlement of Novoselovka, according to what the "Idi i smotri" channel on Telegram reports. As sources from the field of operations report, the Ukrainian forces (AFU) are desperately attempting to intercept the Russian attack by mass deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). This development comes as a continuation of the operations of June 4, when the Russian troops of the operational group "Vostok" managed to place under their full control the strategically important settlement of Komsomolskoye in the same region. According to the official data of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the losses of the Ukrainian forces in this specific battle were particularly heavy, as they lost: 6 armored combat vehicles, 16 military cars and 7 motorcycle equipment vehicles, 5 ground robotic complexes. After the capture of Komsomolskoye, military analysts estimate that the road is opening for the further advance of the Russian forces west of the settlement. This specific movement is considered of key importance for the development of operations on the southern front, as it is expected to lead to the full cutting off of the supply lines and the supply chain of the Ukrainian troops in the area of Malaya Tokmachka.
Rapid escalation in the Sea of Azov - Deadly Ukrainian attack with sea drones on 5 ships – Azeri sailors dead, reactions from Baku, Moscow
In the early morning hours of Friday, June 5, the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched a coordinated attack with sea drones against five commercial ships (tankers and cargo ships) in the Sea of Azov. The strikes occurred at the ports of Bertyansk and Mariupol, as well as off the coast of Yalta in Donetsk. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan confirmed the death of five of its citizens and the injury of three others, who were on board the cargo ships Natra and Zircon. In total, there were 25 Azeri sailors on the ships, and the injured were taken to a hospital in Yeysk. Ukrainian commander Robert Brovdi ("Madyar") took responsibility, releasing a video of the strikes. He claimed that the ships were transporting grain from occupied territories as well as military cargo for the Russian forces. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, speaking of strikes against peaceful, civilian vessels. Deputy Minister Mikhail Galuzin called on the US to intervene and pressure Kiev to accept peace agreements.
www.bankingnews.gr
Σχόλια αναγνωστών