05.07.2026 15:20
Ahead of the NATO summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin, appearing before cameras in military uniform, stated that they will not retreat in Ukraine, delivering the message, 'Russia will achieve its goals.' While Putin's claims of nearing the end in Donetsk were denied by the Ukrainian side, it was also announced that Russia has proposed a temporary ceasefire for Kostiantynivka.
Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared before cameras at one of the military command centers ahead of the NATO Leaders Summit to be held in Ankara on July 7.
Speaking at the approximately one-hour meeting broadcast on Russian television, Putin delivered messages to both the West and the Russian public regarding the war in Ukraine.
"WE WILL ACHIEVE OUR GOALS"
Stating that they will not back down from military operations in Ukraine, Putin said, "Russia will achieve its goals in the special military operation one way or another."
Putin also announced that he had ordered a list of countries providing military support to Ukraine to be drawn up. Observers assess that this statement targets primarily the UK, Poland, France, Germany, and the Baltic countries.
"VICTORY IN DONETSK IS NEAR"
The Russian leader argued that the initiative on the front lines lies with their own forces and claimed that Luhansk is fully under control.
Putin asserted that Konstantinovka in the Donetsk region has also been captured and said they will achieve their goals in Donbas after taking Slavyansk and Kramatorsk.
DENIAL FROM UKRAINE
The Ukrainian General Staff denied Putin's statements. The Kyiv administration stated that Konstantinovka is not under the control of Russian forces and commented, "Putin has made a habit of presenting his dreams as reality."
Meanwhile, it was reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles targeted fuel facilities at the Port of St. Petersburg during the night hours.
RUSSIA'S PROPOSAL FOR A TEMPORARY CEASEFIRE
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that they proposed a temporary ceasefire on July 6 for the handover of the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers in Konstantinovka. The Moscow administration requested Ukraine to communicate its decision on this proposal by July 5.
INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE TO TRUMP
Putin also sent a congratulatory message to President Donald Trump on the occasion of the US July 4 Independence Day. In his message, Putin referenced the historical relations between the two countries and expressed hope for achieving significant accomplishments together in the future.