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Is Vladimir Putin getting tired of Russia's war in Ukraine?
Russia

Is Vladimir Putin getting tired of Russia's war in Ukraine?

by Tim Zadorozhnyy

After presiding over the smallest Victory Day parade of his rule, Russian President Vladimir Putin shifted tone on his country's war against Ukraine. "I think (the war in Ukraine) is coming to an end," Putin told journalists on May 9 — a statement that drew attention because it was the first of its kind in four years. Putin also avoided many of the triumphalist talking points that have defined his public appearances. And for perhaps the first time in years, he publicly referred to President Vo

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Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian positions in northern Pokrovsk 'almost cut off' amid mounting Russian pressure

Key developments on May 18: * 'Hide-and-seek with death' — Ukraine details grim situation in Pokrovsk * Ukraine claims control of Stepnohirsk in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, military intelligence says * Belarus starts nuclear drills with Russia days after Zelensky warns of attacks on Ukraine, NATO * Ukraine develops 1st domestically produced guided glide bomb, ready for combat use * Russia calls for Ukraine peace talks to resume after months of downplaying them * At least 2 killed, 51 injured in

First known Russian recruited from university dies in Ukraine, exposing Russia’s student recruitment campaign

When 23-year-old Russian student Valery Averin signed a military contract in January after being recruited into Russia’s drone forces campaign targeting students, he was told he would train as a drone operator. Three months later, he was dead near Luhansk after reportedly being sent into an assault unit despite having no military experience. His case, reported by the BBC Russian Service, appears to be the first known death linked to Russia’s growing campaign to recruit university and college st

Russian servicemen in Moscow, Russia, on May 7, 2025.

About Russia

The Kyiv Independent’s coverage of news on Russia. Spanning eleven time zones across Eastern Europe and Asia, Russia has an estimated population of 146 million people. Russia’s capital city is Moscow, which is home to almost one in 10 Russians. Russia’s official currency is the Russian Ruble.

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