The Times reported that after a trip to Beijing, where Putin announced an “unprecedented level” of relations with China and received demonstrative support from Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un, a new phase of the war had begun. For the first time during the war in Ukraine, the Russian side has struck the Kyiv government building.
Analysts consider this a blow to the “decision-making centers”, which Russian supporters of the “hard line” have long demanded.
The Times notes that after returning from Beijing, Putin has noticeably “increased self-confidence”, and his rhetoric has finally ceased to include even the impression of readiness for negotiations.
