According to Putin, Western "globalist" elites "still talk about their exclusivity, put people against each other and divide society, provoke bloody conflicts and coups" and "sow hatred."
The head of the Wagner private army has claimed that Russian troops and mercenaries have surrounded the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, bringing Moscow closer to another major victory in half a year.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., issued a lengthy statement defending the lethal aid being sent to Ukraine as a "direct investment" against Vladimir Putin's "war machine."
"I have to say today that Russia is suspending its participation in New START. I repeat, not withdrawing from the treaty, no, but merely suspending its participation," Putin said.
