Putin warns Trump that he plans new offensive in Ukraine's east within 60 days – Axios

Russian leader Vladimir Putin told US President Donald Trump during a phone call on 3 July that he plans a new escalation in Ukraine's east within the next 60 days in order to reach the administrative borders of the oblasts Putin considers his own.

Source: Axios, citing sources

Details: A source familiar with the content of the phone conversation between Putin and Trump said Putin made it clear that he plans further escalation in the war with Ukraine.

In particular, Trump told French President Emmanuel Macron that Putin would again attempt to occupy territory up to the administrative borders of the Ukrainian oblasts where Russia holds a significant foothold.

The US president told Macron that the Kremlin leader "wants to take all of it".

Background:

• Donald Trump said he will send Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, explaining that Kyiv needs them since Russian leader Vladimir Putin "talks nice but then he bombs everybody in the evening".
• Trump will announce a new plan to arm Ukraine on Monday 14 July, which is expected to include offensive weapons. Sources said that this likely involves long-range missiles capable of striking targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow.
• US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, expects a record-breaking supply of weapons to be delivered to Ukraine in the coming days to support its defence against Russian aggression.

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