Russia-Ukraine conflict unfolding. Yulia Svyrydenko, sanctioned by Ukraine's parliament, assumes the role of prime minister
In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, diplomatic efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution have faced numerous challenges. Since the resumption of negotiations in early 2025, significant progress has yet to be made, with unresolved issues such as security guarantees and territorial disputes remaining a major obstacle.
Ukraine, led by its newly appointed Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, seeks a full Russian withdrawal, the return of prisoners, and prosecution of Russian leaders for war crimes. The country also demands security guarantees to prevent future aggression. On the other hand, Russia insists on recognition of occupied territories, a guarantee that Ukraine will not join NATO, and the lifting of sanctions.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic tensions, there is public support for peace on both sides. According to a recent report, 64% of Russians and 51% of Ukrainians support peace negotiations. Moreover, 56% of Ukrainians would agree to a compromise to end the war.
The military situation remains volatile. Russian forces continue to make territorial gains, with recent advances reported in eastern Ukraine. In response, the U.S. has threatened sanctions and pledged support for Ukraine, with President Trump announcing that the first Patriot missiles for Kiev are already being sent. However, there is no indication that Russia plans to cease its offensive.
The international community, including the U.S., continues to push for a peace agreement. President Trump has outlined a timeline for a deal by early September, but there is skepticism about Russia's willingness to compromise. The Russian Foreign Ministry has stated that it "will not accept threats" in response to Trump's statement that he would give Russia 50 days to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine or face sanctions.
Notably, the war in Ukraine has been ongoing for 1,240 days as of Thursday, since the start of Russia's invasion. The conflict has taken a heavy toll, with Russian air defenses destroying 122 drones launched by Ukraine, including over the regions of Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk. The Russian Defense Ministry announced the capture of three Ukrainian settlements in the regions of Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia.
In a tragic incident, a Russian airstrike using a 500 kg aerial bomb left at least two dead and 27 injured in Dobropilia, Donetsk region. Meanwhile, at least one person died and six others were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in the Russian city of Belgorod.
Ukraine has received 850,000 pieces of large-caliber ammunition, including 320,000 155 mm projectiles, so far in 2025 as part of a Czech aid initiative. The country has also requested a meeting between President Zelensky and Russian President Putin after a request for new contacts from the Kremlin.
Amidst the ongoing negotiations, Dmitri Medvedev, a prominent Russian political figure, has suggested that preventive attacks on the West could be necessary. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, has stated that Trump's decision to supply new missiles to Ukraine was a signal to "continue the massacre" and a rejection of peace initiatives.
As the conflict continues, both sides remain committed to their positions, and the path to peace remains uncertain. The international community will continue to watch closely as negotiations progress, hoping for a resolution that brings an end to the violence and suffering.
- Despite the ongoing diplomatic tensions and military confrontations, a considerable portion of both Russian and Ukrainian populations are supportive of peace negotiations, with 64% of Russians and 51% of Ukrainians expressing their backing for peace talks.
- Beyond the war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, other general-news topics of interest include the demand for security guarantees from Ukraine to prevent future aggression and Dmitri Medvedev's suggestion of possible preventive attacks on the West.
- Amidst the discussions regarding war-and-conflicts and politics, crime-and-justice issues arise as well, with a tragic accident such as the Russian airstrike in Dobropilia, Donetsk region, resulting in at least two deaths and 27 injuries.
