New fighting, stalled peace talks, and growing global pressure shape the latest phase of the Russia Ukraine war
The Russia Ukraine war entered day 1,373 with major developments on the battlefield, across diplomatic channels, and throughout Europe’s political landscape. Russia claims new advances, Ukraine disputes those claims, and international leaders continue to debate sanctions, security guarantees, and what a future peace deal might look like.
Fighting intensifies around Pokrovsk
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russian troops have completely surrounded Pokrovsk and now control about 70 percent of the embattled city. He insisted that fighting will stop only when Ukrainian forces withdraw. If not, he said Russia will meet its objectives by force.
Putin also claimed that the pace of Russia’s advance along the front line is noticeably increasing.
Ukraine offered a starkly different account. Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskii said troops are blocking Russian attempts to launch new assaults on Pokrovsk and nearby Myrnohrad. He added that Russia has been forced to bring in reserve forces to sustain its offensive.
Meanwhile, Russia said it shot down 118 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 52 over the Belgorod region near the border.
Peace efforts remain uncertain
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian officials will meet US delegations this week to continue work on a peace formula discussed earlier in Geneva. The goal is to secure long-term protection and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Putin said the draft proposals being discussed by the US and Ukraine could become the basis for future peace agreements, but warned that Russia will continue fighting if negotiations fail.
He also called Ukraine’s leadership illegitimate, arguing that Zelenskyy’s term expired when elections were cancelled. Kyiv responded that elections cannot be held during martial law and ongoing attacks.
Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, told The Atlantic that Ukraine will not give up any territory for peace. He said Zelenskyy will never sign away land under any circumstances.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed this position, saying no peace deal should force Ukraine to make territorial concessions. He added that Ukraine will need strong armed forces and long-term security guarantees even after a formal agreement is reached.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that Ukrainian membership in NATO remains unacceptable and poses a continued threat to Moscow.
Sanctions debates and global financial concerns
The United Kingdom issued a temporary licence allowing companies to keep doing business with Lukoil International, a subsidiary of the sanctioned Russian energy giant, until February 26. Transactions are allowed only if Lukoil’s funds remain frozen.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever warned that the European Union’s plan to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine could damage chances for a future peace deal. His letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, obtained by the Financial Times, cautioned against moving too quickly.
Putin responded by saying Russia is preparing retaliatory measures in case Europe seizes Russian assets. He called any confiscation an act of theft that could destabilize the global financial system.
Regional security and political fallout
A Ukrainian man suspected of coordinating the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline has arrived in Germany after Italy approved his extradition. The pipeline attack disrupted major Russian gas flows to Europe.
Hungary’s President Viktor Orban said he plans to hold talks with Russia to secure stable crude and gas supplies for Hungary and Serbia.
In a diplomatic retaliation, Russia said it will shut the Polish consulate in Irkutsk at the end of December after Poland closed the Russian consulate in Gdansk.
Russian court issues life sentences
A Russian military court sentenced eight men to life in prison for their alleged role in the truck bomb attack on the Crimean Bridge in 2022. The blast killed five people and damaged a key supply route.
Ukraine’s intelligence agency later claimed responsibility for the attack, calling it a strategic strike against a military supply line.
Conclusion
The Russia Ukraine war continues to evolve quickly, with shifting battle lines, tense diplomatic manoeuvres, and deep global implications. If you want to stay updated on the latest developments, share this article, follow for more insights, and join the discussion to support informed global conversation.