Russia's airstrikes in Ukraine leave five casualties; oil refinery targeted in Russia
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains intense and unresolved, with renewed hostilities resulting in casualties and civilian deaths. As of July 24, 2025, the situation remains volatile, characterized by ongoing fighting despite truce talks, significant human suffering, and geopolitical tension.
In the eastern part of Ukraine, the focus of the Russian offensive, the country has made significant recent gains. Approximately 180 square miles of new territory was gained by Russian forces in Ukraine from late June to late July, indicating sustained pressure and a troop and air power superiority. Offensive activity continued in regions such as western Zaporizhia Oblast, although progress was slow and the front lines were increasingly at a standstill overall.
On the diplomatic front, efforts took place in Istanbul focusing on humanitarian issues like prisoner exchanges and possible ceasefire discussions. Ukraine proposed a high-level summit involving the presidents of Russia, Ukraine, the U.S., and Turkey by the end of August. However, Russia’s position remains firm without substantive engagement toward a lasting peace, and the parties remain deeply divided on ceasefire terms.
The humanitarian toll of the conflict is extensive, with over one million killed or injured on both sides since fighting began. In the Donetsk region, two more civilians died, adding to the long list of casualties.
In a notable incident, the Ukrainian army claimed its drones had hit a large oil refinery in Russia's western Saratov region, approximately 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) away from the front line. The attack resulted in one death and caused damage to the industrial enterprise.
Elsewhere, three beachgoers were killed in the Black Sea coastal city of Odesa, Ukraine, after tripping on a mine in a prohibited area, which was mined to fend off a potential Russian navy attack.
In a separate development, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump will meet in Alaska this Friday to discuss the Ukraine conflict. The meeting will provide an opportunity for both leaders to address the ongoing conflict and explore potential solutions.
Despite the ongoing hostilities, popular support for peace negotiations exists on both sides, with a slight majority of Ukrainians and a larger majority of Russians in favor. However, key issues such as ceasefire conditions, territorial control, and political demands remain unresolved.
As the conflict continues, the international community must remain vigilant and committed to finding a peaceful solution. The human suffering and geopolitical tension caused by the conflict are a reminder of the importance of diplomacy and the pursuit of peace.
Sports news continued to take a backseat as war-and-conflicts dominated general-news headlines, with the ongoing dispute between Russia and Ukraine remaining a major point of focus. Politics played a significant role in the diplomatic process, as efforts were made to find a durable ceasefire and resolving key issues like ceasefire conditions, territorial control, and political demands. Despite presidential meetings and efforts towards peace discussions, the conflict showed no signs of abating, with ongoing fighting leading to civilian casualties in regions like Ukraine's Donetsk and Odesa, and even affecting neighboring countries.
