Putin mixes threats of new offensive in Ukraine with offers of peace talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin made extensive comments about the war in Ukraine, alternating threats of a new Russian offensive to grab more Ukrainian land with statements about the Kremlin’s readiness for peace talks MOSCOW -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday alternated threats of a new Russian offensive to grab more Ukrainian land with statements about the Kremlin's readiness for peace talks . Speaking during a far-ranging meeting with Russian military correspondents and war bloggers, he made some of the most extensive comments about the conflict and his goals since sending the troops into Ukraine more than 15 months ago. Here is a quick look at some of Putin's key statements: UKRAINIAN COUNTEROFFENSIVE Putin asserted that Ukraine has suffered “catastrophic” losses in its counteroffensive. He said Ukrainian troops amassed reserves to launch the “large-scale” operation on June 4, but he claimed that the effort has failed to score gains and that Ukraine has los...