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New threat from Russia: ‘Negotiate or lose more territory’

Putin’s adviser Medinsky issues an ultimatum to Kiev. Meanwhile, Kharkiv is hit by a new drone attack: at least two dead and over fifty wounded

‘Negotiate or you will lose more territory.’ This is the explicit threat that Russia is making to Ukraine through Vladimir Medinsky, advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin and head of the Russian delegation to the talks with Kiev. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Medinsky warned that Ukraine’s stubborn refusal to negotiate risks resulting in further territorial losses.

The message comes as the Kremlin, according to numerous analysts, is preparing a new military offensive in the summer, with the aim of dealing a further blow to Ukrainian resistance. In recent days, Russian troops have intensified their attacks in the Dnipropetrovsk region, and tensions remain high in the Sumy oblast in the north-east of the country.

According to Medinsky, “it is impossible to wage a long war with Russia”, citing the 18th-century war against Sweden as a historical example. The official also accused Ukraine of acting on behalf of foreign interests, hindering any possibility of peace.

Military pressure is also evident in the skies. During the night, a drone attack struck the city of Kharkiv, killing at least two people and injuring 54, including eight children. This was reported by Mayor Ihor Terekhov, quoted by the Kyiv Independent. The kamikaze drones damaged several residential and commercial buildings, triggering a huge fire.

The attack comes just days after the most massive drone bombardment of the city since the start of the war. Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city and located a short distance from the Russian border, has been the target of continuous raids for months, undermining its stability and security.

Meanwhile, as the attacks on the ground continue, the Kremlin is not backing down politically: the four annexed regions – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia – do not seem to be enough. Moscow’s message is clear: without negotiations, the price for Kyiv could rise further.

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