Geopolitical Digest by Mikhail Azhgirevich - June 23, 2026!

Putin offers peace talks - on 2022 terms

Putin announced readiness for peace talks with Ukraine "on the basis of the Istanbul agreements," adding the Anchorage principles, realities on the ground and his own 2024 Foreign Ministry address to the list of preconditions. This is not a new position - it is an old position in new packaging, presented at the moment Ukraine is striking deep inside Russia and receiving Western long-range weapons. Putin offers peace on terms under which Ukraine loses everything it has already lost. Negotiating generosity in full display.

Ukraine says Trump gave a green light for bolder strikes - Washington stays silent

The Kyiv Independent reports Ukraine received a "signal to act more boldly" from Trump against Russia, but American sources do not confirm the president approved intensified strikes. Lavrov simultaneously stated that Alaska talks and European agreements may have been "designed to buy time for rearming the Kyiv regime" - before adding he "doesn't even want to think about that." Ukraine strikes, citing Trump. Trump says nothing. Lavrov thinks about what he doesn't want to think about.

Fuel crisis covers the entire country - diesel export ban under consideration

Fuel restrictions are now in place in St. Petersburg, Tyumen and Belgorod regions - limits ranging from 30 to 40 litres of petrol and up to 80-200 litres of diesel depending on the region, with sales into jerry cans banned. Deputy PM Novak confirmed authorities are considering a full ban on diesel exports - a measure that would constitute an admission that the crisis is systemic rather than seasonal. "The situation is difficult but controlled" - precisely what is said when the situation is getting out of control.

Bortnikov calls Zelensky a terrorist - and admits there is no one else to talk to

FSB Director Bortnikov stated that Zelensky is a "terrorist," but "there is no one else to talk to right now" and that Zelensky "makes relevant decisions" which Moscow "takes into account." This is a diplomatic oxymoron of the highest order: an official terrorist who serves as the only available negotiating partner. Zelensky is a terrorist but a negotiating partner. The FSB resolves this contradiction elegantly by ignoring it.

Putin on Western drones: "They pound us every single day"

Putin acknowledged the entire West is "working for Ukraine," supplying drones and establishing military production on their own territory for Ukrainian needs. He simultaneously admitted Western countries "haven't yet gone as far" as striking from their own soil - understanding there would be a retaliatory strike. The word "yet" in that sentence carries considerable weight. Putin said "haven't yet gone that far" - that is not reassurance, that is a timetable.

South Ossetia loses its president - Gagloev becomes Putin's adviser

South Ossetian President Alan Gagloev resigned and moved to the position of adviser to Putin. The unrecognised republic, de facto governed by Moscow, loses even its nominal president - administrative absorption proceeding quietly and without announcements. South Ossetia handed its president to the Kremlin as an adviser. The absorption is complete - only the paperwork remains.

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