Putin Claims Advances in Ukraine, Accuses West of Supplying Drones; Lavrov Warns Kyiv

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a series of pronouncements regarding the war in Ukraine, asserting that Russian forces are advancing across the entire front line and are close to taking Kostiantynivka. Speaking to military academy graduates, Putin claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's letter does not create conditions for negotiations.

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What conditions could there be? They are constantly talking about it: 'We want personal meetings,'

Putin also directed criticism at Western nations, alleging they continue to supply Ukraine with drones and are increasing military production within their own territories to meet Kyiv's needs. He further claimed that Ukrainian forces are targeting civilian infrastructure, while Western countries have refrained from striking Russian territory due to fear of retaliation.

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Russia is prepared to continue the dialogue from where it was interrupted.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a warning to Ukraine. He stated that Russia is prepared to resume dialogue from where it left off but simultaneously issued a stern statement regarding Ukraine and Belarus. Lavrov threatened Kyiv with a "full set of measures" if Zelenskyy does not abandon his demands on Minsk.

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Russia threatens Kyiv with a 'full set of measures' if Zelenskyy does not abandon his demands on Minsk.