Putin, Zelensky on Escalating Conflict Dynamics

Russian Ambassador Anatoly Antonov has warned that the use of Western long-range weapons by Ukraine to target Russia could escalate the conflict, affecting both the US and Europe. Ukraine recently launched a massive drone attack on Russian oil refineries and power plants, aiming to bring the conflict into Russian territory and make the Russian public feel the war's impact. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized this strategy in his address, asserting that the war must be pushed back into Russia. Despite these efforts, President Vladimir Putin stated that Ukraine's incursions, such as in the Kursk region, will not halt Russia's progress in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian forces continue to press toward strategic locations like Glushkovo, using precision-guided munitions to target Russian defensive lines and supply routes. The overall situation reflects a complex and escalating conflict with significant international implications.