Russia isn't going to advance to Kharkiv, says Putin

The Kremlin leader said this at a press conference in Hanoi during his visit to Vietnam, TASS reports.

"Kyiv's attempts to squeeze the Russian Armed Forces out of Kharkiv at any cost will cost it dearly," Putin said. At the same time, he said that the Russians allegedly have no goal to advance to Kharkiv.

The Russian dictator added that Moscow would not negotiate with Kyiv provided that Russian troops withdraw from Ukraine.

"If Kyiv links negotiations with the withdrawal of Russian troops, this will never happen," he said.

At the press conference, Putin also commented on the strikes on Russian territory, noting that they are "close to aggression".

"Russia does not need a preemptive strike, because the enemy will be guaranteed to be destroyed in a counter-strike," he said.

• On the evening of June 19, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin began a visit to Vietnam. President To Lam said he wanted to strengthen ties with Moscow.