Putin says Russia advancing on all fronts in Ukraine, but still open to peace talks 

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Friday that Russian forces are advancing along the entire front line in Ukraine, including in Donetsk and Kherson. He claimed Moscow had captured the town of Chasiv Yar, despite Ukrainian denials, and accused the West of trying to halt Russia’s offensive. At the same time, Putin expressed hope that peace talks with Ukraine would resume and said both sides agreed to negotiate without cameras. He dismissed criticism of the process, saying disappointment stems from “inflated expectations,” and called for “lasting and durable peace.”

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