The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has entered its 1,090th day, with continued fighting, political maneuvers, and diplomatic tensions shaping the global response. Here are the latest developments from the battlefield and the diplomatic front.
Ukraine’s military reported that Russia launched a massive overnight attack using 147 attack drones. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, 83 of these drones were successfully intercepted, while 59 failed to reach their intended targets. The attack resulted in damage to several storage facilities and private residences, raising concerns about Russia’s sustained aerial assault on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Security Service has claimed responsibility for an attack on Russia’s Caspian Pipeline Consortium. The Ukrainian forces reportedly struck the Kropotkinskaya pumping station in Russia’s Krasnodar region, which plays a key role in transporting oil from neighboring Kazakhstan. Additionally, the Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar was hit, with reports indicating at least 20 explosions in the vicinity.
On the ground, Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced the capture of Fyholivka, a settlement in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. Later, Russian authorities also claimed to have regained control over Sverdlikovo, a village in the Kursk region that had been temporarily held by Ukrainian forces. These developments highlight ongoing territorial struggles in key regions of eastern Ukraine.
As the war rages on, diplomatic efforts to broker peace continue. In a significant move, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Saudi Arabia to participate in planned peace talks between U.S. and Russian officials. The Kremlin confirmed that Russia would be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign policy director Yuri Ushakov. The agenda includes discussions on restoring diplomatic ties, negotiating a potential peace settlement, and preparing for a possible meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite these efforts, European leaders have voiced concerns over any ceasefire agreement that does not include a formal peace deal. French President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency meeting at the Élysée Palace with key European Union leaders to discuss Washington’s shift in approach towards Moscow. European officials have emphasized the importance of providing Ukraine with security guarantees to prevent a fragile ceasefire from turning into a prelude to renewed Russian aggression.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte underscored Europe’s readiness to support Ukraine, stating, “Europe is ready and willing to step up. We are committed to providing security guarantees.” Following the meeting, EU officials reiterated their stance that a ceasefire without a peace agreement would be dangerous, arguing that Russia could use the pause to rearm and launch further attacks.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, expressed support for Trump’s negotiation efforts, in contrast to the concerns raised by other European nations. “Unlike them, we support Donald Trump’s ambitions; unlike them, we support the U.S.-Russian negotiations; unlike them, we want peace in Ukraine,” Szijjarto said, emphasizing Hungary’s alignment with Washington’s approach.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly stated that Ukraine will not accept any peace agreement that excludes Kyiv from negotiations. His spokesperson, Sergii Nykyforov, confirmed that Zelenskyy will travel to Saudi Arabia after the U.S.-Russia talks conclude, underscoring Ukraine’s intention to remain actively involved in diplomatic discussions.
During a recent meeting in the UAE, Zelenskyy secured commitments from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to support efforts toward a peaceful resolution while addressing humanitarian needs. Following this, Zelenskyy traveled to Turkey for discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, focusing on potential prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelenskyy also reiterated his belief that a ceasefire without clear security guarantees from the West would only embolden Russia. “Any other decision without such guarantees – such as a fragile ceasefire – would only serve as another deception by Russia and a prelude to a new Russian war against Ukraine or other European nations,” he warned.
The recent shift in U.S. policy toward negotiations with Russia has alarmed European allies. Analysts have noted a stark contrast between the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Ukraine and Trump’s approach, which signals a willingness to negotiate with Moscow. Melinda Haring, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, described Europe’s reaction as one of shock. “It is very strange that the aggressor is meeting with the United States without Ukraine. The longstanding U.S. policy has been ‘nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,’” she said.
Experts suggest that Washington’s recalibration may be aimed at testing Russia’s sincerity in pursuing peace. However, key figures in the Trump administration have expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s ability to fully reclaim lost territories and questioned the feasibility of Ukraine joining NATO—positions that Kyiv strongly opposes.
While expectations remain unclear, Russian officials have indicated that these negotiations could pave the way for a future in-person meeting between Trump and Putin. Kremlin adviser Ushakov confirmed that discussions in Riyadh would remain strictly bilateral, ruling out any immediate trilateral talks involving Ukraine.
As the Russia-Ukraine war reaches another milestone, the battlefield remains active, and diplomatic tensions continue to escalate. While Washington’s direct negotiations with Moscow signal a potential shift in global strategy, European leaders remain wary of any premature ceasefire without long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. As diplomatic talks unfold, Ukraine remains firm in its demand for a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement that includes its direct participation.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether these diplomatic efforts lead to a meaningful breakthrough or simply mark another chapter in this prolonged and devastating conflict.
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