Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the supply of Western weapons to Ukraine will not alter the outcome of the conflict. In an interview with state television, Putin emphasized that Ukraine's membership in NATO would pose a threat to Russia's security, and the provision of arms would only escalate tensions and prolong the war.

He specifically highlighted that foreign-made tanks would be a priority target for Russian forces in Ukraine. Putin's remarks came in response to France's decision to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles, which he acknowledged would cause damage but not significantly impact the situation on the ground.

On the other hand, US President Joe Biden declared that Russia had already lost the war in Ukraine during his visit to Helsinki. He expressed hope that Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive, though slow-moving, would push Russia to the negotiating table.

Biden further pledged that Ukraine would eventually join NATO, despite the alliance's failure to provide a clear timeline for membership at the recent summit in Lithuania.

Putin responded to these comments by reiterating Russia's opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, arguing that it would threaten Russia's strategic interests and global security.

The influx of Western military assistance to Ukraine has also received criticism. The Pentagon confirmed that cluster munitions provided by the United States had arrived in Ukraine. However, the use of these widely banned weapons has raised concerns about civilian casualties and long-term consequences after the conflict.

While the US claims to have provided a version with a reduced "dud rate," the decision has faced criticism from US politicians, NATO allies, and human rights groups. Over 120 countries have signed an international convention banning cluster munitions.

Both Russia and Ukraine have been accused of using these weapons during the war. Additionally, Putin addressed the recent mutiny within the Wagner group, a private military organization. He claimed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the group's leader, declined an offer to serve in Russia after the revolt.

Putin indicated that the offer included a clause to continue operating under Prigozhin for 16 months before aligning with Moscow's troops. The Russian president acknowledged that Wagner no longer exists, as there is no law on private military organizations in Russia.

Following the mutiny, Russia detained at least 13 senior military officers, including Sergei Surovikin, the highest-ranking general, with 15 more suspended or fired. Overall, these developments highlight the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Putin emphasizing Russia's security concerns, Biden asserting that Russia has lost the war, and Western military assistance facing criticism. The situation remains complex, with both sides presenting their perspectives on the conflict and its implications.