Russian President Vladimir Putin denies Ukraine the success of its counteroffensive. “Ukraine is carrying out a so-called counter-offensive. Of course there are no results,” Putin said at one Speech at the economic forum in the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok. In fact, the Ukrainian army had only recently liberated the village of Robotyne in the south and then reported further, smaller gains in territory.
Putin’s appearance in the Pacific port city of Vladivostok is also the focus of attention because the Kremlin chief will probably meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later. There is speculation that the meeting, which is also likely to involve arms deals, could take place directly on the sidelines of the economic forum.