Putin and Zelenskiy issue stark statements before NATO summit in Ankara

Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared on camera at a military command centre ahead of the July 7 NATO summit in Ankara, declaring that Russia will not retreat in its war against Ukraine. He claimed full control of Luhansk and the village of Konstantinovka in Donetsk, said Russian forces would achieve their objectives, and announced a plan to publish a list of countries providing military aid to Kyiv. Putin also offered a temporary cease‑fire in Konstantinovka, asking Ukraine to respond by July 5.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported that recent Russian attacks killed at least six people and injured 33, including children, in several cities. He urged Western partners to intensify pressure on Russia, especially through sanctions on its energy, oil‑fleet and financial sectors, and stressed the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air‑defence capabilities. Zelenskiy also announced a phone conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump, thanking the United States for military and political support and saying the call gave "real hope" for ending the conflict.

Both leaders framed their messages as part of the broader diplomatic backdrop of the upcoming NATO leaders’ meeting in Turkey.