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EU and Western Balkan leaders gathered in Montenegro for a summit focused on accelerating EU enlargement, with a new Franco-German initiative offering incentives for faster reforms. Host Montenegro is seen as the frontrunner among six candidate countries, while geopolitical tensions with Russia and China loom large.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's offer for face-to-face negotiations, stating he saw 'no point' in such a meeting. Zelenskyy had proposed direct talks in a third country to end the war, but Putin insisted Russia will achieve its military goals and demanded Ukraine's capitulation on key territorial issues.
At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Putin said Russia is increasing energy deliveries to India and Asia, and defended India's sovereign right to choose its defence partners, warning that sanctions threats would backfire under PM Modi's leadership.
Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange on June 5, with each side releasing 185 captives. The UAE mediated the swap, which included Ukrainian soldiers, officers, and a civilian. The returned Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus, according to Russian state media.
At a summit in Montenegro, EU leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, pledged to accelerate the integration of six Western Balkan countries into the bloc, proposing 'gradual integration' and discussing new safeguards for future members. The move comes amid renewed geopolitical urgency following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has stated that Ukraine's bid to join the European Union by 2027 is unrealistic, citing Croatia's own lengthy integration experience. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has also dismissed the timeline, noting that EU accession talks often take over a decade. The statements come as Ukraine pushes for rapid integration amid ongoing conflict.
Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova met with Ukrainian counterpart Dmitry Lubinets for the first time, agreeing to expand cooperation on humanitarian assistance, including prisoner-of-war visits and document exchanges. The meeting, reported by TASS, also covered the return of Kursk region residents from Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum's plenary session, focusing on economic sovereignty, the impact of sanctions, and the changing global trade landscape. He cited Russia's GDP growth, Rosneft's investments in India, and the doubling of BRICS' share in global trade.
A naval drone exploded in Romania's Black Sea port of Constanta on Friday, causing no casualties. The incident has heightened concerns about spillover from the Russia-Ukraine war, with officials from Romania, the EU, and NATO weighing in. The origin of the drone remains disputed, with Ukraine and Russia trading accusations.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry reports that a drone attack on two cargo ships in the Sea of Azov killed five of its citizens and wounded three others. Russia blames Ukraine, while Ukraine's drone forces commander says strikes targeted vessels carrying illegal cargo. The incident highlights escalating tensions in the region.
A Transnistrian lawmaker said the region opposes withdrawing Russian peacekeepers until a final settlement is reached through the '5+2' talks, citing a 2006 referendum. Meanwhile, the Transnistrian president reiterated support for the current peacekeeping format, which Moldova wants replaced with a civilian mission.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's special presidential envoy, said multifaceted dialogue with the US continues, with a meeting with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner expected later this month. He also claimed many European companies are willing to return to the Russian market, and that Russia has a clear plan for peace in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin received and read Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's open letter but declined to reveal his reaction. Russian officials offered mixed assessments, with some dismissing the letter as a PR stunt and others reiterating Moscow's readiness to talk. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia had not received the letter through diplomatic channels.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in an interview with Izvestia, accused the West of pursuing the suppression and dismemberment of Russia, citing historical US strategy. He also described US-Russia dialogue on Ukraine as a 'vicious circle' while noting positive intentions from US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit North Korea on June 8-9, his first trip in nearly seven years, as Beijing seeks to reassert its influence over Pyongyang amid deepening North Korea-Russia relations. The visit follows Xi's recent summits with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
President Donald Trump personally appealed to Chinese President Xi Jinping to use Beijing's influence over Moscow to end the Ukraine war, according to multiple sources. The appeal came during last month's summit in Beijing, as negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have stalled. Trump has been pressuring Kyiv to reach a deal, while Russia launched a massive strike on Ukraine last month.
Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska defeated Diana Shnaider 7-6(4), 6-4 to reach her first Grand Slam final at the French Open, where she will face Mirra Andreeva, who beat Marta Kostyuk in the other semifinal.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Europe will not support a settlement in Ukraine that removes President Volodymyr Zelensky's government from control, and that both Zelensky and European leaders reject Russia's territorial gains. The statements, made in interviews with RT Arabic and Izvestia, underscore Moscow's view of Western pressure on Russia through Ukraine.
The US House of Representatives passed the Ukraine Support Act on Thursday, providing over $1 billion in assistance and up to $8 billion in loans to Ukraine while imposing new sanctions on Russia. The 226-195 vote marks a bipartisan rebuke of President Trump's approach, with 18 Republicans joining Democrats. The bill's future remains uncertain in the Senate.
EU migration ministers have expressed broad support for a proposal to limit temporary protection for Ukrainian men of military age, according to Sweden's migration minister. The plan, which would apply only to new arrivals, aims to encourage more men to stay and fight in Ukraine. The final decision is pending, with the European Commission needing to propose any changes.