Displaying items by tag: Russian advance

Donald Trump has warned of ‘very severe consequences’ if Vladimir Putin refuses to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine during their meeting in Alaska on 15 August. While not detailing the measures, Trump has previously suggested economic sanctions and hinted at a follow-up meeting that could include Volodymyr Zelensky. Concerns persist among European leaders and Kyiv that any peace proposal might involve Ukraine surrendering territory - particularly the Donbas region - in exchange for halting further Russian advances. In a high-level virtual call hosted by Germany, Zelensky, Trump, and key European leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty and continued pressure on Moscow. Zelensky dismissed Putin’s threats as bluffs, insisting that sanctions and united international resolve remain crucial. The Alaska summit is seen as both a diplomatic opportunity and a high-stakes gamble, with Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the broader stability of Europe hanging in the balance. Meanwhile, on 12 August Russian troops tried to make a big advance, possibly to put extra pressure on Kyiv to cede territory: see

Russia has captured the strategic eastern Ukrainian town of Vuhledar, a significant blow to Ukraine as it faces its third wartime winter. Russian soldiers have raised their flag over the devastated town, once home to 14,000 people but now reduced to just over a hundred. Ukraine’s military confirmed their withdrawal, citing the threat of encirclement as Russian reinforcements arrived: their manpower advantage had finally broken Ukraine’s fierce resistance.The town sits at a crucial junction of Ukraine’s eastern and southern fronts: Ukraine now has to fight to stop the Russians advancing further west, making the prospect of retaking territory even more remote. This comes just after Volodymyr Zelensky's return from the USA, where he secured aid but not the security guarantees he sought. With Ukraine’s energy infrastructure still under attack, the coming winter will test its resilience even further.