Russian President Plans to Take Full Control of Kyiv, Macron Warns of Worse to Come
Vladimir Putin’s refusal to back down from his war in Ukraine has sparked growing fears that the worst is yet to come. In a 90-minute phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Putin indicated that Ukraine’s rejection of Russia’s conditions would lead to continued military action, with Moscow’s aim to take full control of the capital, Kyiv, through diplomatic or military means.
As the number of refugees fleeing the conflict exceeded 1 million and Russian forces continued to advance on key Ukrainian cities and ports, Putin reiterated his intentions of “neutralisation, demilitarisation, and de-nazification” of Ukraine. Macron responded by warning that Russia’s actions would have severe long-term consequences, adding that Putin was “lying to himself” about the situation’s outcome.
Amid ongoing talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators, Putin claimed the invasion, still termed as a “special military operation” by Russia, was progressing according to plan, despite slower-than-expected advances. In a televised address, he praised Russian soldiers as heroes, claiming that all objectives were being met.
Meanwhile, Moscow’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, dismissed rumors about potential martial law being introduced in Russia, which could include border controls and military censorship, calling them “hoaxes” despite reports of a small-scale exodus from the country.
