In an unprecedented move, Ukraine has ramped up its military preparedness in response to Russia, prompting President Vladimir Putin to dismiss Kyiv’s intended retaliation against Moscow’s troops as a fiasco. The tense encounter between the two leaders took place in Saint Petersburg, with the backdrop of Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Odesa being hit by the Russian army.
Notably, Putin finally convened with his ally, Alexander Lukashenko, following a failed uprising by Wagner, a private mercenary group, last month. The summit, spanning two days, served as a platform for mediating a critical agreement involving Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the mercenary outfit.
“Counteroffensive?” scoffed Lukashenko, before being promptly interjected by Putin, who dismissively retorted, “Well, there was an attempt, but it ended in failure.”
The high-stakes nature of the meeting was evident, as Putin revealed he had to rearrange his schedule to allocate two full days for discussions with Lukashenko. The rendezvous held utmost significance given the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
