Putin Says Russia Cannot Sign Guarantees Without Resolving Crimea/Donbas Issues

LOCAL NEWS

• Putin says Russia cannot sign security guarantees for Ukraine without resolving the territorial issue of Crimea and Donbas.
  • Notes a “serious breakthrough at the Istanbul talks because Ukraine did not link its security requirements to a notion such as its internationally recognized borders, leaving Crimea, Sevastopol and the Donbas republics recognized by Russia with certain reservations behind the brackets [of talks]” in a meeting with UNSG Guterres. Says that the false provocations in Bucha changed the situation dramatically and Ukraine abandoned the agreements - IFX
• https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/78660/
• Russian MoD claims Ukraine has lost control of the entire region of Kherson the key port city on the Black Sea – representing major strategic importance for Russia and the establishment of its land bridge to Crimea. The region is also key in restarting water supply to Crimea and linking with the Separatist republics. Reports suggest Russia may try to hold a referendum to link Kherson & Crimea - Sky
• Ammunition depot in Russian town of Belogrod catches fire near the village of Staraya Nelidovka less than 20 miles from the Ukrainian border. No cause has been reported, but comes after supposed Ukrainian airstrikes on a Russian fuel depot in Belogrod yesterday. Russian air defence systems were also triggered in the Kursk region at 2:45am this morning, but no casualties or destruction were reported – RTRS, BBC
• Russian gas supplies to Poland under the Yamal contract edged up this morning after dropping to zero yesterday. citing data from the European Union network of gas transmission operators.
  • "Physical gas flows via the This follows earlier threats to Poland and Bulgaria that they would be cut off from gas flows if they refused to pay in RUB - RTRS