President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia has engaged in a flurry of diplomatic activity, hosting Qatar’s emir and Iran’s president, and meeting with African leaders. He has also taken rare calls from Finnish and Norwegian leaders, signaling a shift in global dynamics.
Despite ongoing war in Ukraine, Putin is thwarting Western isolation efforts and receiving high-level invitations, including from the U.S. The Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on Russia’s investment fund, and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff praised Putin as a humanitarian. Analysts suggest the Kremlin is celebrating unexpected gains. Putin is set to attend the APEC forum in China and possibly the G20 in Miami, further elevating his global standing.
Meanwhile, U.S.-Ukraine relations have deteriorated, with Trump urging Ukrainians to replace Zelensky and critical Starlink access being cut. Europe faces a perilous moment, struggling to maintain unity as some leaders seek direct dialogue with Putin. He continues to criticize European policies on energy and debt, arguing they harm their own industries.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing