What's happened
On June 19, 2025, Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a 'final phase' of negotiations. This comes amid ongoing military actions, including recent drone strikes on Kyiv that resulted in multiple casualties. North Korea's involvement in supporting Russia's military efforts has also been highlighted.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- Putin's Stance: Putin's readiness to meet Zelenskyy suggests a potential shift towards negotiations, albeit under his terms, which may not align with Ukraine's interests.
- Military Dynamics: The influx of North Korean troops and resources indicates Russia's reliance on external support to sustain its military operations, raising concerns about the conflict's longevity.
- International Pressure: Zelenskyy's appeal to G7 leaders for stronger U.S. involvement highlights Ukraine's need for robust international backing to counter Russian aggression.
- Casualties and Human Impact: The recent drone strikes in Kyiv, resulting in significant civilian casualties, underscore the war's devastating toll on ordinary Ukrainians, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Putin stated he would only meet Zelenskyy during a 'final phase' of negotiations, reflecting a desire to conclude discussions rather than prolong them. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that the death toll from recent Russian strikes on Kyiv rose to 16, highlighting the ongoing violence. The Guardian also noted that North Korea is sending thousands of military personnel to support Russia, indicating a deepening military alliance. This contrasts with the G7's hesitance to issue strong statements on the war, as reported by Al Jazeera, suggesting a lack of unified international response to the crisis.
How we got here
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated since 2022, with significant military engagements and international diplomatic efforts ongoing. Recent developments include North Korea's military support for Russia and Ukraine's calls for increased international pressure on Russia.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of North Korea's support for Russia?
- How is the international community responding to the conflict?
- What are the latest developments in the Ukraine war?
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia constituting the northern part of the Korean Peninsula.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.