Ukraine: Zelensky touts strong frontline position after territorial gains

Zelensky describes battlefield gains

Zelensky said Ukraine is in its strongest battlefield position in some time, following offensives that recovered territory. He also mentioned an air assault in eastern Ukraine and Operation Vivaldi farther north.

The operations were aimed at stopping Russian advances in important areas. The report did not provide further details about the territory recaptured or the operations’ results.

Nordic leaders speak with Putin

Finland’s president, Alexander Stubb, and Norway’s prime minister, Jonas Gahr Stoere, held a direct phone call with Putin on Tuesday. They described their talks as “frank and substantive,” according to the report.

The call drew criticism from other European leaders, including Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen. Some urged Europe to remain united on Ukraine, while the article also said Kyiv reported being involved in planning the call.

Kremlin position unchanged

The Kremlin gave no sign of changing its stance during the conversation. It said any lasting peace must “unconditionally” account for Russia’s interests. The report also said European leaders were opposed to direct engagement with Putin. It did not describe any agreement or outcome from the call.

Other developments in Russia

Explosions were reported in the Russian city of Lipetsk on Tuesday night, followed by reports of fires. Ukrainian monitoring channel Exilenova Plus said a blaze began near the Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant after air defence systems were activated.

Ukraine has sanctioned the plant, and Canada and Australia have sanctioned its owner, Russian oligarch Vladimir Lisin. Previous investigative reports said the facility supplies Russian companies making air defence systems, drones, missiles and other weapons. Separately, Donald Trump said he hoped to meet Zelensky and Putin soon and pointed to “a lot of progress” on a possible trilateral meeting.