05.06.2025 – Moscow.
June 4, 2025 – Russian President Vladimir Putin has categorically rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s call for direct peace talks, branding Kyiv’s leadership as a “terrorist organization” and stating that no negotiations can happen under such conditions.
“What could we possibly talk about? Who would negotiate with terrorists?”
— President Vladimir Putin, as aired on Russian state media
■. Escalation After Bridge Bombing in Russian Territory
This hardline stance comes in the wake of a deadly bombing on a highway bridge in Russia’s Bryansk region. The explosion, reportedly caused by a drone or sabotage, left 7 dead and over 100 injured, according to Russian authorities. The Kremlin claims the attack was orchestrated by Ukrainian forces, although Kyiv has not taken responsibility.
The bombing marked yet another in a series of attacks deep within Russian borders, prompting a wave of fury from the Russian leadership. Officials now describe Ukraine’s actions as part of a broader “terrorist campaign” aimed at destabilizing Russia.
■.Putin: Ceasefire Is a “Trap” to Let Ukraine Regroup
President Putin further warned that any Ukrainian call for a ceasefire is simply a strategic move to buy time, allowing its forces to regroup, rearm, and plan further strikes.
> “They want a break to prepare new terrorist attacks,” Putin said, rejecting any suggestion of diplomatic progress.
■. U.S. Acknowledges Putin’s Retaliation Plans
Former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he recently spoke with Putin following Ukraine’s drone strike on Russian airfields. Trump revealed that Putin expressed plans for retaliation, though no timeline was provided. Trump described the conversation as “constructive,” but emphasized that no peace deal is on the horizon.
■.Ukraine Strikes Strategic Russian Targets
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have launched high-impact strikes targeting Russia’s military capabilities, including:
Drone attacks on bomber fleets deep within Russian territory
An underwater bombing that damaged the Kerch Bridge, Russia’s critical supply route to occupied Crimea
These attacks demonstrate Ukraine’s strategic reach and signal Kyiv’s unwillingness to bow under pressure, even as peace proposals are dismissed outright by Moscow.
■.The Road Ahead: No Peace in Sight
With both sides entrenching their positions—Russia refusing any form of negotiation while Ukraine ramps up its tactical offensives—the war shows no sign of de-escalation. Western diplomats continue pushing for backchannel talks, but Russia’s latest rhetoric makes it clear:
> As long as Ukraine is viewed as a terrorist entity by Moscow, diplomacy is dead.
– Eelaththu Nilavan.
05/06/2025
