Overview

• At the St. Petersburg forum, Putin asserted that any land where Russian troops stand belongs to Russia, ruling out territorial concessions.
• He signaled that his forces may capture Sumy after advancing 10–12 kilometers into the region to create buffer zones.
• The president directed integration of civilian and defense manufacturing and announced plans for joint arms projects with allied nations.
• Russia’s economy is at risk of recession, with inflation near 9.6 percent and central bank chief Elvira Nabiullina calling for a new growth model as reserves dwindle.
• Ukrainian president Zelenskyy said Putin’s address confirmed Moscow’s refusal to seek peace and its intent to continue the conflict.