Key Points
- Russia claims new gains: Captures two villages Sredne and Kleban Byk in Donetsk region.
- Heavy Russian strikes: 143 Ukrainian military sites attacked in the past 24 hours.
- Drone war escalates: Russia says it downed 160 Ukrainian drones & four aerial bombs.
- Trump’s two-week warning: US President threatens fresh sanctions if no peace deal emerges.
- Putin-Trump meeting in Alaska: Talks failed to yield clear breakthrough.
- Zelensky-Ramaphosa talks: Ukraine reiterates readiness for direct meeting with Putin.
New Delhi: Even as US President Donald Trump intensifies efforts to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, the war on the ground shows little sign of slowing. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed on Sunday that its forces had captured two key villages in eastern Donetsk Sredne and Kleban Byk.
Moscow also reported 143 strikes on Ukrainian military positions over the past 24 hours, targeting:
- Military-industrial facilities,
- Temporary army bases,
- Supply depots and logistic hubs.
In a further show of strength, Russian air defence systems reportedly destroyed 160 Ukrainian drones and four aerial bombs, highlighting the intense drone warfare currently defining the battlefield.
Trump Issues Warning to Moscow
While calling for immediate peace talks, US President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Russia.
On Friday, Trump said:
“If Moscow and Kyiv fail to reach a peaceful solution in the next two weeks, the US is prepared to impose new sanctions on Russia.”
This statement comes just days after Trump held a face-to-face meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Alaska a historic but inconclusive dialogue. Officials say the talks focused on possible humanitarian corridors and prisoner exchanges, but there was no breakthrough on an immediate ceasefire.
Moscow Blames Kyiv for Stalled Talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters that, as of now, no concrete agenda has been fixed for a potential summit between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Lavrov accused Kyiv of “deliberately rejecting every peace proposal”, alleging that Ukraine wants to prolong western support while avoiding direct negotiations.
Zelensky Reiterates Willingness to Meet Putin
In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once again signaled readiness for direct dialogue with Putin. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) following his talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zelensky wrote:
- He briefed Ramaphosa on his latest consultations with President Trump in Washington.
- He emphasized his commitment to peace efforts in partnership with global allies.
- Importantly, Zelensky said: “I am ready to meet with the leader of Russia.”
However, he simultaneously accused Moscow of dragging out the war and deliberately escalating tensions to strengthen its military position.
Global Mediation Efforts Continue
South Africa, which has previously attempted neutral mediation in global conflicts, is now stepping up diplomatic engagement as part of the Global South’s effort to push dialogue. Ramaphosa is reported to be aligned with India, Brazil, and Indonesia in calling for an early ceasefire framework that prioritizes humanitarian relief.
Analysts note that with Ukraine struggling for ammunition supplies and Russia facing tighter sanctions, both sides could inch closer to backroom diplomacy in the coming weeks though trust remains the biggest hurdle.
The Road Ahead: Two Weeks Critical for Diplomacy
The next 14 days may prove decisive:
- Trump has set a deadline for sanctions escalation.
- Russia is pressing forward with territorial gains in Donetsk.
- Ukraine continues to seek international backing for peace proposals.
Whether Trump’s direct engagement with Putin can deliver results or whether the conflict spirals into further escalation remains to be seen.
