Putin Vows to Finish Off Ukraine While Displaying Russia’s New Nuclear Submarine at Arctic Base

In a dramatic display of military power, Vladimir Putin stood aboard a new Russian nuclear submarine during a visit to an Arctic naval base and vowed to “finish off” Ukraine.

Speaking to a group of submariners, Putin expressed his growing confidence about the situation in Ukraine, saying, “Not long ago, I said we’d grind them down — now it looks like we’ll finish them off.”

This statement comes amid an ongoing conflict and rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as increased international scrutiny of Russia’s actions.

Putin Takes Aim at Britain’s Economy and Armed Forces

In a surprising move, Putin also took a jab at the British economy and military, mocking the UK’s standing in global rankings.

He sarcastically remarked that the UK was “jumping on us, behaving aggressively,” while noting that Britain’s economy was “in the ninth or tenth place in the world.”

The Russian President also criticized the size of the British military, which he claimed only consisted of around 170,000 to 180,000 personnel.

Putin’s comments highlight his attempt to undermine Western powers as Russia’s war in Ukraine intensifies.

US and Ukraine Agree on Controversial Minerals Deal, Sparking Concern Over Russian Influence

The conflict in Ukraine has taken another twist with the United States’ involvement in negotiations over a controversial minerals deal with Ukraine.

The deal, which has raised eyebrows among experts, grants the US significant control over Ukraine’s natural resources, including critical minerals and natural gas.

Under the agreement, a new United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund would control these resources, with the US holding a dominant role in decision-making.

Critics argue that this deal, which leaves Ukraine with no guarantees in return, places undue pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky and could ultimately shape Ukraine’s future in ways that benefit US interests more than Ukraine’s.

Russia Unveils New Nuclear Submarine with Hypersonic Zircon Missiles

In a show of military might, Putin officially launched the ‘Perm,’ a new nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying advanced hypersonic Zircon missiles.

These missiles, with a reported range of 900 kilometers (560 miles) and immense speed, are designed to evade interception and pose a significant threat to any adversaries.

The Perm submarine is part of Russia’s expanding nuclear arsenal and is seen as a key asset in the country’s defense strategy, adding to the growing tensions in the global security landscape.

Russia’s Continued Attacks on Ukraine Amid Ceasefire Talks

As the United States and Ukraine work toward a partial ceasefire to avoid further attacks on energy infrastructure and Black Sea shipping assets, Russia’s military continues to launch drone strikes across Ukraine.

These attacks have targeted civilian infrastructure, including housing, administrative buildings, and oil and gas facilities, leading to widespread destruction.

The latest reports from Ukraine’s General Staff highlight continued drone strikes on cities like Poltava and Kharkiv, causing both property damage and civilian casualties.

Putin Reacts to Ceasefire Efforts, Demands Sanctions Be Lifted

Despite the ongoing efforts by the US and Ukraine to reach a ceasefire agreement, Putin has made it clear that Russia will only observe the terms if Western nations lift some of the long-standing economic sanctions on Moscow.

He also voiced his opposition to any efforts to replace him or Ukraine’s current government, instead calling for an interim administration to oversee elections.

Putin’s comments reflect his hardline stance on the conflict and his reluctance to make concessions without significant gains for Russia.

Putin Opposes Franco-British Peacekeeping Force in Ukraine

Putin has also rejected a proposal from French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to send an Anglo-French “reassurance force” to Ukraine.

This force would not be deployed to the frontlines but instead would be stationed in strategic areas around the country.

Putin’s opposition to this proposal underscores his belief that any foreign military presence in Ukraine would interfere with Russia’s objectives in the region.

The US Pushes Ukraine into Exploitative Minerals Deal Amid Ceasefire Negotiations

As ceasefire talks continue, the United States is simultaneously pushing Ukraine into a minerals deal that has raised serious concerns.

The deal, which would grant the US control over Ukraine’s critical resources, could have long-lasting implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Critics argue that this deal is not only unfair to Ukraine but could also prevent the country from fully benefiting from its own natural resources.

The Role of Russia in Reviving Gas Trade with Europe

In a related development, Russia is negotiating with the United States to restore gas flows to Europe, particularly through Ukraine’s infrastructure.

The revived gas trade would bypass the sabotaged Nord Stream pipelines and pass through the Baltic Sea once repairs are completed.

This move could reshape Europe’s energy landscape, potentially giving Russia more leverage in future negotiations with Western countries.

Experts Warn About the Long-Term Impact of US-Ukraine Deal on EU Membership

Professor Alan Riley, an energy law expert, expressed concerns about the long-term implications of the US-Ukraine deal on Ukraine’s potential EU membership.

Riley suggested that the deal could be incompatible with Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union, as it gives the US unprecedented control over the country’s natural resources and infrastructure.

This development has raised questions about the true intentions behind the deal and its potential to influence Ukraine’s future political and economic alignment.