The Kremlin has dismissed criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that Vladimir Putin is "playing with fire" by avoiding ceasefire talks with Ukraine, saying Russia's national interests remain the top priority.
The Kremlin has pushed back against remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin was "playing with fire" by refusing to engage in ceasefire talks with Ukraine.
Trump, who has pledged to quickly end the war if re-elected, has taken a tougher stance on Moscow in recent days. In a post on Truth Social Tuesday, he wrote: "What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened in Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He's playing with fire."
Responding to the statement, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Trump’s administration has made “serious efforts” toward peace and that Russia values his personal mediation. However, Peskov emphasized that Russia's decisions are driven by its own priorities.
“Just like the United States, Russia puts its national interests first,” he told reporters. “These interests are central to our president’s decisions. We continue to prepare for further negotiations with Ukraine and maintain contact with the Americans.”
Yuri Ushakov, a senior foreign policy aide to Putin, said Trump's warning suggests he may not be fully informed about the realities of the conflict. “It seems President Trump lacks accurate information about what’s really happening, including the rise in Ukrainian attacks on Russian cities,” Ushakov told Russian state media.
China has voiced strong opposition to further escalation between Iran and Israel, and warned that deepening the conflict benefits no one.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly denied claims that the United States played any role in mediating the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, according to India's top diplomat.
Our NewsHour presenter Guy Shone examined the geopolitical ripple effects of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran during the G7 summit, where U.S. President Donald Trump’s early exit drew worldwide attention.
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly disputed the intelligence community's assessment of Iran's nuclear activities, marking a notable split between the White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Missiles fired from Iran were observed over several Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, and Tubas, on the fifth day of the escalating Iran-Israel conflict.
South Korea’s nominee for spy agency chief has stated his belief that the United States would respond with nuclear strikes if North Korea launched a nuclear attack against South Korea.
Israel’s main hospital in the south sustained a direct missile strike on Thursday amid escalating hostilities with Iran, causing extensive damage and prompting urgent warnings from health officials.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the escalating Middle East tensions and stressed the need for urgent de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have initialed a draft peace agreement, marking a significant step toward ending years of conflict in eastern Congo.
At the second China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, China and five Central Asian countries signed the "Treaty of Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation," establishing a new legal foundation for strategic partnership.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House in a historic meeting, claiming credit for stopping the recent India-Pakistan conflict, though India denied any U.S. mediation.
South Korea’s nominee for spy agency chief has stated his belief that the United States would respond with nuclear strikes if North Korea launched a nuclear attack against South Korea.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the escalating Middle East tensions and stressed the need for urgent de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have initialed a draft peace agreement, marking a significant step toward ending years of conflict in eastern Congo.
At the second China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, China and five Central Asian countries signed the "Treaty of Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation," establishing a new legal foundation for strategic partnership.
South Korea’s nominee for spy agency chief has stated his belief that the United States would respond with nuclear strikes if North Korea launched a nuclear attack against South Korea.
Israel’s main hospital in the south sustained a direct missile strike on Thursday amid escalating hostilities with Iran, causing extensive damage and prompting urgent warnings from health officials.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the escalating Middle East tensions and stressed the need for urgent de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have initialed a draft peace agreement, marking a significant step toward ending years of conflict in eastern Congo.
At the second China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, China and five Central Asian countries signed the "Treaty of Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation," establishing a new legal foundation for strategic partnership.
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