On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kursk-II nuclear power plant being built in the Kursk Region. It was his first trip to the region since late March. It’s a reminder that even as we focus on the war in Ukraine, Russia is undergoing a massive transformation.
As a result, escalation increased last weekend when Russia directed an airstrike at a Ukrainian military training center in western Ukraine. This deadly attack took the lives of six Ukrainian soldiers and injured at least ten soldiers, according to the Ukrainian National Guard. This recent attack underscores that the region’s volatility continues. Conflict has marred the region ever since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Putin’s trip takes place amid a temporary respite from acute geopolitical maneuvering. The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, indicated that Russia would soon present broad outlines for a ceasefire with Ukraine. “At some point here fairly soon – maybe in a number of days, maybe this week hopefully – the Russian side is going to present the terms,” Rubio stated, suggesting a potential shift in dialogue despite the ongoing military actions.
To stay ahead of the curve, next week Ukraine should press the EU even harder for significant new measures. Their aim is to totally isolate Moscow, not just militarily. Such measures may involve confiscating Russian property and sanctioning identified purchasers of Russian oil. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reiterated the call for immediate action. INFORMATIONS VIDEO In his testimony, he encouraged the G7 to lower the price cap on Russian oil sold through seaports to $30/barrel. “It is important to severely restrict the Russian tanker fleet, which serves to finance killings, as well as all schemes that Russia uses to build up its military industry,” Sybiha remarked.
As the situation develops, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine to be held at the Vatican. “Finding in the Holy Father confirmation of the readiness to host the next talks between the parties in the Vatican, the prime minister expressed deep gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for his unceasing commitment to peace,” reported The Guardian. The Kremlin moved faster to deny that was ever intended. They emphasized that no decision has yet been made on the location of any new, formal peace talks.
Recent examples as that conflict remains one of the top attractors of international attention include growing involvement from countries such as Iran and North Korea. On January 17, in the Kremlin, Putin signed a framework strategic partnership document with Iran’s recently elected President Masoud Pezeshkian. This agreement strengthens Russian and Iranian connections. The Iranian Majlis has ratified a 20-year long strategic partnership with Moscow. Moreover, a free trade agreement between Iran and the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union took effect last week.
Russia is accused of importing North Korean soldiers to strengthen its campaign against Ukraine. This recent development further complicates the landscape of the conflict. Just last week Russia’s defense ministry claimed that they had intercepted a new Ukrainian special forces training camp. Within minutes, they were able to strike on the location. “During reconnaissance activities … a training camp for Ukrainian special forces was detected,” stated Russia’s defense ministry. Following this strike, they confirmed that “based on the received coordinates, an Iskander missile strike was launched.”
The Ukrainian National Guard admitted culpability, claiming that an attack while conducting joint military exercises killed six soldiers. They were shot at a shooting range while executing those drills. “Six soldiers were killed and more than 10 wounded as a result of the attack,” it reported. We have opened an internal investigation as a result of this incident. One commander is now suspended and authorities are alerted.
With bitter fighting raging on and the geopolitical stakes higher than ever, politicians from across Europe keep arriving to show their support for Ukraine. Lars Klingbeil, a prominent German politician, affirmed that his country “will continue to stand firmly by Ukraine’s side.” Meanwhile, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated unequivocally, “The longer [Russia] wages war, the tougher our response.”