Latest Developments in the Ukrainian-Russian Conflict
Russian armed forces launched attacks on drone manufacturing facilities and military airbases.
The ongoing conflict between Russian forces and the Ukrainian Armed Forces sees ongoing military operations and adjustments in territorial control.
Territorial Adjustments
Russian forces have gained about 14 square miles of territory, with the pace of advancement slowing compared to previous weeks. Their primary focus lies on retaking areas in Ukraine's Donbas region and pushing back Ukrainian forces near the border with Belgorod Oblast. Conversely, Ukrainian advances in Russia's Kursk region have diminished; current control stands at about 3 square miles, down significantly from the peak in August 2024.
Targeted Strikes
Intensive air, missile, and drone campaigns undertaken by Russian forces continue to target Ukrainian positions, particularly in the Donbas region. Ukrainian forces remain defensive, counterattacking where possible.
Civilian displacement has been a result of this conflict, with over 10.2 million people displaced in Ukraine and around 112,000 people displaced in Russia's Kursk region.
Ceasefire and Negotiations
Recent unilateral ceasefires announced by Russia, including a May 7 to May 11 ceasefire to align with Victory Day celebrations, have often proved conditional and short-lived. Extensive peace talks have been proposed but rejected by Russia, which insists on Ukrainian capitulation as a precondition.
International Relations
The U.S. and Ukraine have strengthened economic ties with a new bilateral agreement. Russia seeks to weaken Western support for Ukraine by depicting European defense measures as a security threat. Simultaneously, Russia is fostering cooperation with other countries such as North Korea, potentially bolstering its stance in the conflict.
Moscow, Natalia Petrova
© 2025, RIA "Novy Day"
[1] "Russia and Ukraine step up military activity near border as truce frays" - Reuters
[2] "Ukraine rejects Russia’s preconditions for peace talks" - Al Jazeera
[3] "Displaced People: Ukraine" - Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC)
[4] "Conflict in Eastern Ukraine: Weekly Digest" - OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)
- In the ongoing Ukrainian-Russian conflict, Russian forces have employed UAVs in their intensive air campaigns, targeting Ukrainian positions, particularly in the Donbas region.
- Despite gains of about 14 square miles of territory, the concentration of Russian forces in Ukraine's Donbas region is focused on retaking areas and pushing back Ukrainian forces.
- Meanwhile, reports indicate that over 1375 bombs have fallen outside the fighting zones, displacing more than 10.2 million people in Ukraine and around 112,000 in Russia's Kursk region.
- As part of the war-and-conflicts context, politics plays a significant role, as Russia seeks to weaken Western support for Ukraine and strengthens cooperation with countries like North Korea to bolster its stance in the battle.
