This is a bombshell, putting to the lie Russian propaganda’s longstanding claim that some spiritual entity called Russia has existed since time immemorial. In fact, Putin reduced Russia to its soldiers’ feet — hardly an elevated comparison.

WSJ's Alexander Ward breaks down the relationship between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and how it's only now showing signs of souring over an elusive peace deal in Ukraine.

Russian troops have reportedly taken control of Melovoye in Ukraine’s Kharkov region and raised the Russian flag over the liberated settlement. According to military sources, servicemen from the 83rd Motorised Rifle Regiment and 72nd Motorised Rifle Division were involved in the offensive.

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the historical bond between Russia and the United States during recent communications with Trump.

The call marked the sixth publicly acknowledged conversation between the two leaders since Trump returned to office earlier this year.