Putin announces missile production and responds to Trump

It was an unusual press conference. Sitting on a park bench on Valaam Island, Russia, President Vladimir Putin addressed the press alongside Alexander Lukashenko, his Belarusian counterpart. Quoted by the RIA news agency, the Russian head of state spoke about missiles, made several criticisms of Ukraine and the European Union, and took the opportunity to respond to Donald Trump's "disappointment."

"Any disappointment anyone feels, all disappointment, comes from high expectations. It's a common sense rule," Vladimir Putin noted. For the Russian leader, ending the war in Ukraine requires "serious discussions"—not "in public," but "calmly," something that requires a "negotiation process."

Vladimir Putin also announced that Moscow has launched mass production of the Oreshnik, a next-generation hypersonic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The Russian head of state reiterated that Moscow may soon deploy these missiles in Belarus. "Our experts—Belarusian and Russian military experts—have chosen the location for the future positions. Work on preparing these positions is now underway."

Regarding Ukraine, Vladimir Putin criticized its "lack of sovereignty": "It's humiliating." For the Russian leader, Kyiv is completely dependent on European and American foreign aid .

Regarding corruption, Vladimir Putin emphasized that it is "a characteristic of almost every country": "The question is whether society is ready to combat it." The Russian president accused Ukraine of being a country with "rampant" corruption, indicating that Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies—which were behind several protests against the presidency—have never been effective.

The criticism wasn't limited to Ukraine. Another target was the European Union (EU). The Russian leader clarified that "sovereignty plays a fundamental role in the modern world, including for economic development," lamenting that the European Union "doesn't have that today." He linked the "loss of political sovereignty" with the "loss of economic independence." "It's clear that the European Union doesn't have that much sovereignty today. It's become obvious that it doesn't exist."

Militaryly, the Russian President confirmed that the city of Chasiv Yar, in Donestsk province, was controlled by Russian troops. "It was liberated a few days ago, not yesterday," specified Vladimir Putin, confirming, however, that Ukraine is "trying to counterattack" in the region.

Ukraine denies that Russia has taken control of Chasiv Yar, but Vladimir Putin responded to the "Ukrainian leadership": "It is misinformed about the situation." The Russian head of state emphasized that "Russian troops are advancing along the entire front line."

At the same press conference, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko lashed out at his US counterpart, Donald Trump: "If you want peace, you must engage in the peace process and not dictate it."

The Belarusian leader said Ukraine "wants the impossible." "For Ukraine to have a meeting with Putin, it must first prepare the ground," he warned. "No one will be able to bring Minsk and Moscow to their knees. We are determined to defend our interests," Alexander Lukashenko assured.

Regarding the war, the Belarusian president reiterated that Russia "is advancing" on the front lines. Alexander Lukashenko recalled asking Vladimir Putin why he isn't advancing faster on the battlefield. "I feel sorry for the people," was the Russian leader's response, according to the Belarusian president: "Slowly, but confidently."

Regarding the West, the Belarusian president echoed his Russian counterpart's criticisms. "The Americans have an interest in weakening the EU as a center of power," warned Alexander Lukashenko.