At a post‑CSTO summit press conference in Bishkek, President Vladimir Putin outlines Russia’s priorities as new CSTO chair, from deeper defense-industrial cooperation and joint exercises to discounted energy and a planned small nuclear plant in Kyrgyzstan.

In a stunning announcement broadcast across Russian state media, President Vladimir Putin declares what he calls a “decisive victory” in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, claiming full control of the strategic city of Kupyansk.

In all, Russia has occupied only an additional 1% of territory since November 2022, war-watchers agree. Most of the 20% of Ukraine that Russia controls is made up of land seized by Russian-backed fighters after 2014, and the illegally annexed Crimean Peninsula.

Following President Zelensky’s urgent address expressing concern over the evolving security situation, President Putin responded hours later with a measured but pointed statement on Russian television,