In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia`s Vladimir Putin addresses the audience at the 23rd Congress of the United Russia party in Moscow on June 28, 2026. Vladimir Putin vowed on June 28, 2026 to ensure security and overcome challenges as Ukraine stepped up its retaliatory strikes inside Russia amid Moscow`s four-year war. (Photo by Yekaterina SHTUKINA / POOL / AFP)