Vladimir Putin

Russia has accused European governments of obstructing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, while Donald Trump publicly urged Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reach a deal with Vladimir Putin. The statements put renewed pressure on Kyiv and its European allies as diplomatic efforts over the conflict intensify.

Ukraine launched strikes on Moscow during Russia's presidential election, in which Vladimir Putin was widely expected to secure another term. The timing is being read as a symbolic challenge to the vote, targeting the Russian capital as Russians headed to the polls. Commentators highlight the message that the war can reach Moscow, while the strikes add to questions over the credibility of an election held amid ongoing conflict.

At the United Nations, Donald Trump delivered a combative address aimed at rivals including China, Russia and Iran, but Bloomberg reports the bluster did little to change the positions of Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin or Tehran. Analysts and observers are weighing what the speech actually achieved, with the targeted governments widely seen as unmoved by the rhetoric.