Putin is not interested in negotiations: The Istanbul Memorandum of Russia reflects the Kremlin's long-standing requirements for significant territorial and political concessions of Ukraine.

Russian leadership remains firmly opposed to meaningful peace negotiations and is instead committed to dismantling Ukraine’s sovereignty, according to a new report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based think tank.

American analysts say the Kremlin has made its intentions increasingly explicit: Russia is not pursuing a compromise or diplomatic solution, but rather the total destruction of Ukraine as an independent state.

The ISW cites a recent public statement by Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, in which he acknowledged that the Kremlin's engagement in past negotiations—such as those in Istanbul—was not about reaching a peace settlement. Instead, Medvedev claimed those talks were a tactical step toward achieving a swift military victory and the dismantling of the Ukrainian government. He dismissed the idea of a “compromise peace” as delusional.

In the same statement, Medvedev threatened sweeping retaliation against those who resist Russia’s objectives, vowing to “blow up everything” and “eliminate” opposition. His remarks were reportedly made in response to recent long-range strikes by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) on June 1.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attempted to frame Moscow’s stance more diplomatically, saying that the so-called "Putin Memorandum" was aimed at addressing what Russia sees as the root causes of the war. However, he cautioned that no immediate outcomes should be expected from the Istanbul framework. Peskov also reiterated that President Vladimir Putin remains open to a potential three-way summit with U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—despite earlier signals from the Kremlin dismissing the likelihood of such a meeting.

The ISW report underscores the widening gap between Russia’s official rhetoric and its aggressive military and political strategy, warning that any calls for peace from Moscow should be viewed with deep skepticism.

Putin urged Vatican support for Moscow-linked church in Ukraine and told Pope that Kyiv seeks to escalate war

The Kremlin has urged the Vatican to take a more active role in defending religious freedom in Ukraine—specifically for the Moscow-affiliated Ukrainian Orthodox Church—following recent diplomatic talks.

This request comes despite Russia’s documented repression of independent religious groups in occupied Ukrainian territories. Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, over 60 clergy from various faiths have been killed, and numerous churches destroyed. Ukrainian officials report widespread targeting of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

In the same statement, Moscow accused Kyiv of escalating the conflict and thanked the Vatican for its humanitarian efforts. President Putin noted recent progress on prisoner exchanges and the return of fallen soldiers.

According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV urged Russia to take steps toward peace and emphasized the importance of dialogue, echoing the Vatican’s ongoing mediation efforts led by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi.

Russian drone strike on Chernihiv Oblast killed 5 and injured 9

A Russian drone strike on the northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky overnight on June 5 killed at least five civilians—including a one-year-old child—and injured nine others, Ukraine's State Emergency Service reported.

The attack, carried out with at least six Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones, hit residential areas, sparking fires and reducing several homes to rubble, according to Chernihiv Oblast Governor Viacheslav Chaus.

Two women and the infant were found dead beneath the debris. A five-year-old child was among the injured, and six people remain hospitalized in critical condition.

Emergency crews worked through the night, with the strike destroying two houses, garages, a farm building, and a vehicle.

Located near the borders with Russia and Belarus, Pryluky had a population of around 51,500 before the invasion. The strike is part of Russia’s ongoing drone and missile campaign targeting Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure, especially in the country’s northern regions.

Despite growing international pressure for a ceasefire, Russian forces continue escalating their air assault on Ukrainian towns and cities.

Russian missile, drone attack on Kharkiv injured 17, including 4 children

Russian missile and drone strikes on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv overnight on June 5 wounded at least 17 people, including four children, regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.

The attack hit residential areas in the city’s Slobodsky district, where at least two high-rise apartment buildings were struck by drones.

Among the injured were two 13-year-old girls, a pregnant woman, and a 93-year-old woman. Authorities have not yet released details on the severity of the injuries.

The strike is part of Russia’s ongoing campaign targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine’s major urban centers.