Putin Increases Four Regions Currently Partially Under His Control

The situation in Ukraine remains tense as Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Federal Security Service to increase forces in the four regions that are currently only partially under his control.

Putin also accused Ukraine and the West of engaging in espionage and sabotage operations against Russia. This follows a report of a failed drone attack near Moscow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is open to peace negotiations, but only if Kyiv and its Western allies accept Russia’s annexation of the four Ukrainian regions.

Meanwhile, the US undersecretary of defense for policy, Colin Kahl, believes that Russia will not be able to make significant territorial gains in Ukraine in the near future.

The US has also warned China that it will not hesitate to target Chinese companies and individuals if Beijing violates US sanctions on Russia.

Ukraine’s head of military intelligence, however, has dismissed claims that China is considering providing arms to Russia.

The EU is also planning to extend its gas consumption reduction measures into next winter to replenish stocks.