New intelligence reviewed by US and Western officials suggests Russian President Vladimir Putin may have shifted his immediate focus in the Ukraine war towards the shorter-term objectives of solidifying his hold on territory his forces have seized as well as boosting his country’s struggling economy,

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Monday a three-day cease-fire in its war with Ukraine is set to take place in May, but Ukrainian officials question its timing and validity.

Moscow: President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russian forces have retaken control of the Kursk region, where Ukraine launched a surprise attack last year. However, Kyiv disputed the claim, stating that their troops are still fighting to maintain their presence in the area,