In a sharp escalation of the Ukraine conflict, Moscow has declared that peace talks with Kyiv are “on pause,” accusing Ukraine of refusing Russian demands. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky countered that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains determined to seize control of all Ukrainian territory.
The diplomatic breakdown comes as Russia ramps up military exercises with its ally Belarus and continues intense ground and aerial operations in eastern and southern Ukraine. Zelensky addressed a gathering in Kyiv, warning Western allies not to be misled by Moscow’s statements of willingness to negotiate.
Tensions grew also beyond the frontline: NATO reported intercepting several Russian drones flying over Poland, triggering alarm among member states about potential spillover. In response, Western leaders have signaled plans to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly expressed frustration with Putin, warning of harsher sanctions if Moscow does not halt its operations. Zelensky, rejecting potential territorial concessions, called for a direct summit with Putin to resolve the impasse—a prospect Moscow has so far rejected.
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