We have witnessed the impacts of the war in Ukraine and Russia’s aggression against its neighbors from the outset, including bombings, civilian evacuations, and refugee resettlement efforts. US Vice-President JD Vance stated that it would not be productive for Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before having discussions with US President Donald Trump. Taken together, this statement underscores the complicated interplay unfolding as countries large and small use every tool available to them to shape the future direction of the war.
To that end, the United States has an especially strong hand to play in the negotiations. It brashly claims that it has what it takes to leverage Russia back into meaningful negotiations. Ukrainian forces have continued to achieve awe-inspiring counteroffensive victories in their battlefield retaking. They even managed to liberate a village in the Sumy region previously occupied by the Russian Army. This notable development further emphasizes Ukraine’s domestic resilience even as the war continues to rage.
Kyiv followed this with a monumental move to the offense, striking two oil refineries in the Russian Federation proper. One is located in the western Saratov region, while another is in the remote northern town of Ukhta, in the Komi Republic. These strikes signal a hopeful new phase in Ukraine’s military strategy as Ukraine moves from defense to offense and works to regress or degrade Russian resources and infrastructure.
Ukrainian drone attacks have resulted in Russian casualties, most notably two deaths in the Tula region. The drone strikes aimed at Moscow and other regions, prompting heightened concerns about the evolving nature of the conflict. While the governor of Komi initially verified the attack in question, he stated that there had been no victims in his republic.
EU foreign ministers are to discuss the Alaska talks by video link on Monday. Our Ukrainian counterparts will be participating in the conversation too. We hope that this meeting will focus on the impact of any future peace talks that might include Ukraine. As a gesture of goodwill, Zelenskyy thanked European allies for their support in the run-up to the summit.
“The end of the war must be fair, and I am grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine and our people.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
In response to the announcement, European leaders released a joint declaration that any “path to peace” in Ukraine would need to include Kyiv. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, has insisted that any US-Russian deal must involve Ukraine and the EU. She emphasized that this kind of agreement is deeply relevant to the security not only of Ukraine, but of Europe wide.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed these sentiments, cautioning against any deals made “over the heads of Europeans and Ukrainians.” He expressed optimism that Zelenskyy would come around to the idea of entering into peace talks. This underscores the importance of Ukrainian civil society engagement in determining Ukraine’s future.
“We cannot accept in any case that territorial questions are discussed or even decided between Russia and America over the heads of Europeans and Ukrainians.” – Chancellor Friedrich Merz
Even as these conversations continue, military operations proceed. Recent Russian shelling and drone attacks have claimed six lives so far, including a strike on a bus station in Zaporizhzhia that injured at least 19 people. These events serve as reminders of the horrifying human toll that the conflict continues to take, complicating seriously much-needed steps toward peace.
Ambassador Matthew Whitaker, the US ambassador to NATO, suggested that Zelenskyy might be able to make it to this week’s summit in Alaska. He specifically mentioned that an invitation would be contingent on the administration’s judgment of what’s best for promoting progress in negotiations.
“Yes, I certainly think it’s possible,” – Ambassador Matthew Whitaker
Whitaker stressed that there should be a deal that everyone can agree on and accept. He understood that negotiating an end to the conflict is among the most pressing issues facing world leaders.
“Certainly, there can’t be a deal that everybody that’s involved in it doesn’t agree to. And, I mean, obviously, it’s a high priority to get this war to end.” – Ambassador Matthew Whitaker