Putin acknowledges ‘difficult period’ as Ukraine ramps up attacks

President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Russia is facing a difficult period as Ukraine expanded long-range attacks on infrastructure, including a defense plant and a major oil refinery. Russian fuel production has declined, and the stock market fell in June by the most since 2022. A former Russian official expressed pessimism about the conflict's outcome, while a Financial Times commentator suggested Europe could use the situation to increase support for Ukraine and tighten sanctions.