Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s willingness to resume peace negotiations with Ukraine on June 23, 2026. He indicated that any potential talks could be based on the draft agreement previously developed during negotiations in Istanbul in 2022 — a reference to the now-defunct peace initiative that emerged early in the full-scale invasion.
Targeting Civilian Infrastructure
Putin dismissed Ukrainian strikes on non-military infrastructure as having no significant impact on frontline operations. According to him, such attacks — carried out primarily using drones — aim not at altering battlefield dynamics but at destabilizing Russian society and sowing public anxiety. ‘Attacks on civilian targets are intended to create uncertainty and concern,’ he stated, adding that these actions coincide with continued Western military and financial support for Kyiv.
Advances Near Kostiantynivka
On the military front, Putin claimed Russian forces are nearing the capture of Kostiantynivka, a city in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. He described it as a key node in Kyiv’s defensive network in eastern Ukraine and emphasized its strategic importance for ongoing operations in the area.