Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Western nations of attempting to provoke the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. He maintains that Russia has sufficient military strength to achieve its goals without resorting to nuclear arms. The Kremlin is closely monitoring the German political landscape, particularly the potential leadership of Friedrich Merz, and has expressed readiness to evaluate his actions. Meanwhile, the EU is considering a ban on Russian gas imports starting in 2027 and is increasing military aid to Ukraine, with proposals suggesting combined support from the EU and USA could reach 80 billion euros.
In the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces have reportedly launched significant attacks in the Russian border region of Kursk, leading to heavy clashes. Russian critics, such as a journalist who fled to France, continue to face pressure at home. Former US President Donald Trump believes Russia aims to seize all of Ukraine, while President Zelenskyy acknowledges ongoing military support from nations like the Czech Republic. Amidst this, Putin remains under pressure as his government faces accusations of planning attacks during Russian military parades, which are critical for national pride.
