Russia has announced that peace talks with Ukraine are now on “pause,” even as President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Vladimir Putin’s real ambition remains the full capture of Ukraine. The latest setback comes despite US President Donald Trump hosting direct talks with both sides in Alaska, which so far have yielded little progress.
While Moscow’s army continues to push forward with major drills alongside Belarus, Putin has made it clear he will not back down unless Ukraine cedes more land. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov admitted negotiations were stalled, saying diplomacy should not be viewed through “rose-tinted glasses.”
In Kyiv, Zelensky countered that Putin’s war machine was too far gone to stop without massive pressure. He urged Western allies, especially China, to use their influence to rein in Moscow’s aggression. Trump, meanwhile, told Fox News his patience with Putin was “running out fast,” though Ukraine remains frustrated over Washington’s reluctance to enforce tougher sanctions.
Drone tensions have further rattled Europe after Poland revealed that 19 Russian drones violated its airspace this week, forcing NATO jets into action. Three of the drones were shot down, triggering an emergency UN Security Council meeting. NATO has since pledged to reinforce its eastern flank, while Britain and the EU rolled out fresh sanctions against Moscow.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk rejected suggestions the drone incident was accidental, warning that his country was closer to open conflict than at any time since World War II. Meanwhile, Russia’s joint drills with Belarus—featuring tanks, helicopters, and warships near NATO borders—have only deepened fears of escalation.
