Putin accuses Kyiv of sabotaging elections and declares talks impossible

Accusations against Kyiv over election sabotage

Following a phone conversation between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov reported that the Russian leader accused Ukraine of attempting to sabotage parliamentary elections in the Russian Federation. Ushakov also stated that Putin cited alleged strikes on personnel as the reason why an immediate resumption of the negotiation process, particularly in a trilateral format involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine, is impossible.

Moscow's stance on the "SVO" and the frontline situation

Ushakov noted that Putin assured his American counterpart that the Kremlin's position regarding the objectives and tasks of the so-called "special military operation" remains unchanged. The Kremlin chief claimed that Russian troops maintain the initiative along the front line and continue their offensive. These statements are cited from an official message from the Russian side.

Diplomatic contacts and personal greetings

During the conversation, Donald Trump instructed that signals received from Putin be conveyed to the Ukrainian delegation. According to Ushakov, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff plans to meet with the Russian president in the near future. Putin's aide also added that Donald Trump congratulated Vladimir Putin on his birthday.

Separately, Ushakov reported that Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova is in contact with the office of US First Lady Melania Trump regarding the situation in Oleshky, Kherson region.

Prospects for a leaders' meeting

Specific dates for a bilateral meeting between the leaders were not discussed. However, according to Ushakov, such a meeting is possible on the sidelines of the APEC summit, provided both presidents participate in it.