Historical region on the Russia–Ukraine border, largely within Ukraine
The war in Ukraine is shifting. Ukrainian forces have tightened pressure on Russian positions in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia, while Russia faces logistical strains and stalling advances. Kyiv is expanding long-range strikes, stressing Russian rear-area capabilities as Moscow maintains a systematic aerial campaign. Analysts warn that momentum is fragile and the next months will test both sides.
British, French and German ambassadors have met Russian officials to press for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv after the E3 leaders backed Zelenskyy’s proposal for a face-to-face summit. Moscow has rejected meeting before a deal is agreed and continues to strike and be struck by Ukrainian long-range and drone attacks that have disrupted Russian supply lines and fuel deliveries to Crimea.
Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian targets while reporting gains on several fronts. Russia says it remains committed to its offensive in Donbas and hints at negotiations, but Kyiv says talks depend on Moscow ending aggression. New drone and missile activity signals a widening conflict, with both sides claiming battlefield pressure.
Ukraine has used long-range drones to hit strategic targets deep inside Russia this week, striking St Petersburg's oil terminal, the Kronstadt naval base and supply lines to occupied Crimea. Russian authorities have reported hundreds of intercepted drones, governors have ordered residents to shelter indoors, and Crimea is facing severe fuel shortages that are disrupting travel and tourism.
Ukraine has confirmed that Roman Abramovich traveled to Kyiv to convey messages to the Kremlin about peace prospects. Zelensky says Abramovich offered to relay Kyiv’s position to Putin and sought a face-to-face meeting. Putin has indicated no point in such talks, suggesting any settlement would require long-term guarantees.
G7 leaders have pledged tougher sanctions and stepped-up industrial support for Ukraine after meetings in Evian, but U.S.-led mediation has stalled while President Trump has shifted focus to the Middle East. Russia has accused the U.S. of abandoning neutral mediation, and Russian strikes and Ukrainian long-range drone attacks have recently hit Russian infrastructure and Kyiv's historic Lavra monastery.
Ukraine has launched its largest drone assault on Moscow in years, striking the Kapotnya oil refinery, igniting large fires, forcing temporary closure of all Moscow airports and wounding civilians. Kyiv says it is targeting oil infrastructure that funds Russia’s war; Moscow has pledged massive retaliation and reported hundreds of drones intercepted across the country.
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to help end the Russia-Ukraine war in a nearly 90-minute call with Vladimir Putin and has agreed with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to continue negotiations at next week’s NATO summit in Ankara. Ukraine has struck oil and naval facilities near St. Petersburg, and Russia has responded with heavy missile and drone strikes on Kyiv.
The European-led response to Russia's shadow fleet has intensified, with France and Britain intercepting suspected vessels near Sicily as Kyiv reports further strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. Zelensky has authorized a 40-day operation aimed at pressuring Moscow to end the war, while Moscow archives a substantial collection of Ukrainian books.
The Kremlin has made a show of defiance while Ukrainian strikes disrupt Russian fuel networks. Putin has admitted the strikes are painful, but demands a peace framework anchored in the Istanbul accords and expanded territorial goals. Moscow is doubling down even as fuel shortages bite. Follow developments as Western allies recalibrate support.
Ukraine’s long-range strikes have hit oil refineries and energy facilities across Russia, fueling a fuel shortage in several regions. Attacks have disrupted refining capacity from Omsk to Yaroslavl, triggering rationing and price pressures while Moscow promises restoration efforts.
The Ukrainian Defence Forces are defending Kostyantynivka, with Kyiv disputing Moscow’s claim of occupation. Ukraine says the city remains under its control along defensive lines, while Russia asserts troops occupy all parts of the town. The back-and-forth follows strikes on Russian territory and Ukrainian attacks on infrastructure, underscoring a volatile Donbas frontline as both sides seek leverage in an ongoing war.
Independent reports that Ukraine’s drone campaign has disrupted Russia’s fuel infrastructure, intensifying shortages and triggering public discontent. Putin insists on continuing the conflict and expanding energy defenses as Moscow confronts a mounting fuel crisis.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine’s commander-in-chief after mass protests over the dismissal of reform-minded ex-defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Drapatyi, 43, is being welcomed as a moderniser; Fedorov has refused offered alternatives and his supporters are continuing street demonstrations while Russia keeps striking Ukrainian cities.
Zelensky has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi amid protests and calls for reform. Supporters describe Drapatyi as a reform-minded leader with frontline experience who can modernise the military and empower field commanders. Critics note his track record in drone warfare and accountability.
The IOC has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, enabling athletes to compete internationally as various federations reinstate Russian participation. Ukraine challenges the move at CAS, arguing it violates the Olympic Charter and territorial integrity. Multiple sports have begun readmitting Russian and Belarusian athletes with flags and symbols permitted in some events.