Reuters reports that,
…
"We gave message that we are ready to meet with Putin during (the) G7, because Trump is there and Macron is there, so Europeans plus America. This is a good, I think, very good opportunity to meet all together," Zelenskiy told reporters in English. (Reuters: 15 June 2026) (my emphasis)
Let us also recall that,
"In an open letter to Putin this month, Zelenskiy offered to meet for face-to-face talks and had suggested that the war was increasing the strain on Russia's economy. In response, Putin said publicly that he saw no reason for a meeting, and Ukraine's long-range drone attacks posed no economic threat. (ibid Reuters)
Putin's "no reason" for a meeting comes against the backdrop of Konstantin Samoilov (right) reporting that,
"This is the moment for the Russian economy many have been waiting for. It has entered the stage of "free-fall". In the previous four years, Russian economy survived only due to mass reserves accumulated in the past.
The reserves are depleted now. Russian 'war economy' has been proved to be unsustainable now. The changes are happening fast!" (Inside Russia: 15 June 2026: YouTube) (my emphasis)
In the video above, Samoilov goes on to explain the critical state of food shortages in Ukraine's currently occupied Crimea, food shortages that are beginning to spread inside Russia.
"Even Putin’s Biggest Hawks Believe Russia Can’t Win In Ukraine: Russian President Vladimir Putin is facing increasing pressure both at the front and within the country.
The Russian army’s offensive has been stopped, resources are being depleted, and Ukrainian drone strikes are hitting the logistics and economy of the Russian Federation increasingly hard." (National Security Journal: 12 June 2026) (my emphasis)
CNN 17 June 2026: YouTube
As an indicator that members of Putin's 'siloviki' are realising 'the abyss of total economic bankruptcy' into which Putin's war in Ukraine has thrown Russia, some are now planning their escape routes from Russia.
As earlier reported in the Moscow Times,
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin formally dismissed Butsayev as deputy minister on April 22, government documents show" (Moscow Times: 1 May 2026) (my emphasis)
Konstantin Samoilov gives a more recent and detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding Butsayev's defection, together with some of Putin's Z-blogger and other enthusiasts for his war against Ukraine.
As he explains,
"First know official of his highest rank to flee the country.
…
He gets out before he's handcuffed " (Inside Russia : The System Turns: Why Putin’s Loyalists Are Fleeing Russia: 17 June 2026: YouTube) (my emphasis)
"At least 11 people have been killed in a wave of Russian strikes on Ukraine that set a major religious landmark in Kyiv on fire, President Volodymyr Zelensky says.
…
The 11th Century Dormition Cathedral was significantly damaged in what Zelensky called "one of the biggest Russian crimes against Christian culture today". Russia denied hitting the site." (BBC News: 15 June 2026) (my emphasis)
...
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani states that Moscow does not want peace.
"Kyiv is also a religious capital, so Russia must also be careful not to desecrate the sentiments of all Christians and Orthodox Christians in Russia as well. The Kremlin is making serious mistakes, demonstrating that it is in difficulty," he says." (RBC Ukraine on MSN: 16 June 2026) (my emphasis)
"An Indian national has been arrested on suspicion of sanctions offences after the dramatic seizure of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel, the National Crime Agency has said.
He was taken into custody for questioning by investigators following the operation mounted by Royal Marine Commandos along with the NCA on Sunday." (BBC News: 15 June 2026) (my emphasis)
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