Putin Silent on War End Date as Zelensky Vows More Pressure

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said his previous statements on the possible end of the war in Ukraine were based on an analysis of developments at the front and the performance of Russian forces. He declined, however, to speculate on a specific date for the end of the conflict. Putin also strongly criticized Western countries and the media.

He dismissed as false the claims that Moscow was preparing a war against Europe and reproached journalists for their coverage of the attack on the Luhansk dormitory, which Russia has blamed on Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, confirmed that Ukraine would continue its strategy of weakening the Russian military. He said Kyiv is focusing in particular on strikes against logistics routes and oil industry facilities, which it considers crucial for financing and supplying the Russian army.

(reuters, mja)