Overview

• Putin refused to rule out a Russian operation to seize the city of Soumy and outlined plans for a buffer zone along the border to block Ukrainian offensives.
• He asserted that Russia does not seek Ukraine’s total capitulation while demanding Kiev recognise Moscow’s control over occupied territories.
• Russian drone strikes on Odessa killed one person and injured 14 others overnight, and Kharkiv also came under aerial attack.
• Russia and Ukraine completed a fresh prisoner exchange under early June’s Istanbul accords, returning fighters and repatriating remains.
• Kyiv has launched a diplomatic campaign to secure tougher Western sanctions as Putin warns of economic stagnation and recession risks in Russia.