Vladimir Putin visited China and met with Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un. During his stay in Beijing, Putin made several notable statements regarding Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. He asserted that Russia is allegedly waging war "for the people," to protect the rights of Russian speakers and preserve cultural traditions, even as humanitarian crises worsen in Ukrainian cities like Donetsk.
Putin also addressed the possibility of meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky but set clearly unacceptable preconditions, such as holding a referendum over Ukraine ceding territory. Additionally, he claimed that Russia’s actions are not aimed at territorial conquest, but at defending "people’s rights."
Putin’s remarks included implicit threats of continuing the military offensive in Ukraine should political agreements remain out of reach. Russia’s Chief of the General Staff, Gerasimov, confirmed the intention to continue offensive actions. Meanwhile, Russian forces have recently increased armored assaults in the southern Donetsk direction as part of preparatory efforts for a possible large-scale autumn attack.
The Ukrainian side emphasizes the importance of ongoing military support, particularly the timely delivery of drones and other modern equipment. Thanks to charitable foundations, Ukrainian forces regularly receive advanced drones that enhance their defense capabilities.
Experts conclude that Ukraine will soon face another wave of Russian aggression and serious challenges. Strengthening the military and implementing reforms remain critically important for Ukraine.
