Trump reached an agreement with Putin, paving the way for Russia to export over 4 million tons of diesel and easing sanctions until April. 

President Putin visited Iturup Island in the Kuril Islands, which Japan claims sovereignty over, for the first time since Russia conducted large-scale military exercises in the Far East. Japan immediately protested, reiterating that it is Japanese territory.

President Putin is set to visit China on May 20th, his first overseas trip of the year, amid increasingly strong China-Russia relations following the Trump-Xi Jinping summit just days later.

Russia confirms that Putin is preparing for another visit to China soon, stating that all preparations are complete.

Kim Jong-un pledged his support to Putin, reiterating his unwavering commitment to all his policies and decisions amid strengthening military cooperation.

Putin announced that the Russian army has captured nearly 1% of Ukraine's territory and continues to advance on multiple fronts amid a war that has dragged on for more than 3 and a half years.

Putin warns US delivery of long-range missiles to Ukraine marks "a new escalation in conflict," as Trump shifts his support to Ukraine and Europe accelerates its "drone wall" to combat airspace violations.

Putin initiated a direct call to Ramaphosa to update Trump on the outcome of talks with him on the Ukraine war, while the South African leader, in his capacity as G20 president, maintained a non-aligned stance and called for a ceasefire.

European leaders urged all parties to respect Ukraine's sovereignty after Trump met with Putin in Alaska on August 15.

Putin thanks Kim Jong Un for support in Ukraine war, calls ahead of meeting with Trump in Alaska, as Kim reaffirms support for future Russian measures