Annexation referendums in Russian-occupied Ukraine

Russia has expressed readiness to halt the conflict in Ukraine on the condition that Ukraine cedes control of four regions currently under partial occupation. Yuri Ushakov, Vladimir Putin's aide on foreign affairs, conveyed this statement, as reported by Reuters.

The possibility of Russian strikes on French instructors in Ukraine was not ruled out by the Kremlin today, as reported by AFP.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that no instructor involved in training the Ukrainian military would be safe, regardless of their nationality.

The United States has declared its opposition to Ukraine using American weaponry to target Russia, as tensions escalate following Vladimir Putin's warning against such actions. The White House issued this statement shortly after Putin cautioned that employing Western arms to strike deep into Russian territory could escalate into a global conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the need for "reliable guarantees for Russia and Ukraine from Western countries" in an interview with the Chinese news agency Xinhua, as reported by rbc.ru. Putin suggested that the West is resistant to establishing a world order based on international law.

After two years of a heroic defense that cost Russia more than one-third of its active duty military, Ukraine is nearing its breaking point. It is short of both men and ammunition. 

He stated that the Leningrad and Moscow military districts were formed.

Day 656 of the invasion of Ukraine. Summary of key events in the last 24 hours: