Overview

• Russian official Kirill Dmitrijew visited Washington to reignite U.S.-Russia peace talks, which continue to exclude Ukraine and raise concerns about potential concessions undermining Ukrainian sovereignty.
• Ukraine suffered significant military losses in the Kursk region, with its positions near collapse, while launching symbolic offensives in Belgorod to demonstrate military capability.
• The UK and France are considering deploying 10,000 troops each to Ukraine, a move Russia has condemned as a provocation and countered with nuclear threats via propagandist Vladimir Solovyov.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky has called for increased Western pressure on Moscow following intensified Russian attacks on Kharkiv, emphasizing the need for greater support.
• Ukraine faces growing tension with the U.S. over a resource agreement that could place critical infrastructure under American oversight, while the EU is unlikely to fully replace U.S. support if relations deteriorate.