Vladimir Putin says Russia's objectives in Ukraine concern "the fate and future of our people"

US intelligence officials reportedly believe Vladimir Putin has grown more willing to authorize disruptive actions—potentially including cyberattacks and hybrid operations—that could affect NATO members without escalating to a major military campaign. CBS, citing unnamed officials, said the apparent aim is to strain alliance unity and gauge how the Trump administration would respond if a NATO member were attacked. Separately, in a statement issued by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, Putin accused Western nations of applying rules selectively, dismissed sanctions as futile, and claimed that after failing on the battlefield, his opponents had turned to terrorist tactics. He insisted Russians cannot be defeated and that Moscow would accomplish its objectives in Ukraine, calling the past half-decade a hard, defining period for the country. NATO chief Mark Rutte separately warned that Russia poses a threat to both Europe and North America.