Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is amassing troops along the Sumy front and preparing fresh offensives on key fronts including Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Kharkiv. The Ukrainian leader expressed concern that Russia’s actions are aimed at escalating pressure on Kyiv in the coming months, according to Al Jazeera.
Zelenskyy also highlighted that Ukrainian troops are continuing operations in Russia’s Kursk region, despite recent Russian offensives, stating:
“Ukraine is fulfilling its task in the Kursk region. The Ukrainian military is there, and they will be there as long as we need this operation.”
Meanwhile, in a diplomatic effort to negotiate peace, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held discussions on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for a solid ceasefire that is both measurable and verifiable. Macron underlined that Ukraine must be included in any peace talks:
“The first steps are put in place, but the objective must remain the same: to have a solid ceasefire, measurable and verifiable. That is not conceivable without having the Ukrainians at the table.”
Macron also praised Germany’s decision to increase its defence spending, calling it “good news for the whole of Europe.”
In a related development, Zelenskyy expressed his support for a 30-day pause in attacks on energy infrastructure, though he emphasized the need for more specifics before Ukraine can fully endorse the proposal. These remarks came during his visit to Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki.
Trump Claims Productive Call with Putin on Ceasefire
On the other side of the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump claimed to have had a “productive” phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump revealed that both leaders agreed on an immediate ceasefire concerning energy and infrastructure. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated:
“My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one. We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine. This War would have never started if I were President! Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end. That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!”
The situation in Ukraine remains tense as diplomatic efforts for peace continue alongside military operations.