Putin Offers to Restart Peace Talks with Ukraine
On Saturday, Vladimir Putin informed U.S. President Donald Trump that Moscow is prepared to initiate a new round of peace talks with Kyiv after June 22, contingent on completing the exchange of prisoners and the bodies of soldiers. During a 50-minute phone conversation, they addressed the ongoing situations in the Middle East and the efforts for peace in Ukraine, according to Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov. Trump shared on Truth Social that Putin had called to extend his “Happy Birthday” wishes as Trump turned 79, but emphasized that their main discussion revolved around the Iran-Israel conflict, implying that both leaders believe the war between Israel and Iran, as well as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, should come to a close.
Zelenskyy Remains Cautious about Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, did not clarify if Ukraine would accept the forthcoming peace negotiations, stating only that “the exchanges will be completed, and the parties will discuss the next step.” He urged the United States to alter its approach in discussions with Russia, suggesting it was “too warm” and ineffectual for resolving the conflict. Zelenskyy expressed concerns that the recent Middle Eastern tensions might diminish military support for Ukraine, highlighting that previous escalations had slowed down aid: “We hope to see support for Ukraine maintained,” he said.
Impact of Increased Oil Prices on Ukraine
On Friday, Zelenskyy warned that the recent spike in global oil prices due to Israeli strikes on Iran would enhance Russia’s military strength in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, he noted that the rising oil prices jeopardized Ukraine’s battlefield position, particularly as Western allies have failed to implement effective price caps on Russian oil exports. “The strikes led to a sharp increase in oil prices, which is detrimental to us,” he stated. “Russia benefits from higher income from oil sales.”
Prisoner Exchange Progress
Earlier on Saturday, Ukraine and Russia conducted their fourth prisoner exchange this week as part of a larger plan to return 1,000 wounded soldiers from each side and recover the bodies of deceased servicemen. This agreement was the only visible outcome from recent negotiations in Istanbul. Photos shared by Zelenskyy on Telegram depicted a group of men wrapped in Ukrainian flags, some injured, as they were welcomed back. Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry showcased its own footage of celebrating soldiers, although Russian state media reported that they did not receive any of their fallen troops back from Ukraine.
Ukrainian Military Advances
Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had recaptured the village of Andriivka in the northeastern Sumy region. He also claimed success in operations near Pokrovsk, a site that has endured significant Russian assault in the east, and noted strong results around Kupiansk, another area facing Russian pressure. Global news agencies like Reuters have yet to confirm these battlefield claims. Russia has ramped up its offensives along the front lines, particularly aiming to establish a “buffer zone” in eastern Ukraine.
Moscow’s Claims and Defense
The Russian defense ministry reported the capture of the village of Zelenyi Kut, located southwest of Pokrovsk. However, Zelenskyy defended Ukrainian positions, asserting that defensive lines were holding strong along over 1,000 kilometers of the front. He dismissed Moscow’s assertions regarding troop movements into Dnipropetrovsk, a region bordering three areas under partial Russian control. Currently, Russia occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
