In a notable uptick in conflict dynamics, Russia’s territorial gains in Ukraine have reached their highest levels since the onset of the war, according to an analysis by AFP. As Ukraine prepares to host security advisors from roughly 15 allied nations, including representatives from the European Union and NATO, Moscow’s military aggression continues unabated. A delegation from the United States is expected to participate through a video link.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism about ongoing diplomatic efforts, revealing that a US-brokered peace agreement is “90 percent” complete, although critical territorial disputes remain unresolved. This flurry of diplomatic engagement occurs alongside a forthcoming summit next week in France, aimed at consolidating support for Ukraine in its enduring resistance against Russian advances.
The Russian military’s recent offensive has resulted in the capture of over 5,600 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in 2025 alone, representing nearly one percent of Ukraine’s total land area, as per data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). This figure surpasses the land acquired over the preceding two years combined but remains significantly lower than the over 60,000 square kilometers seized during the conflict’s first year in 2022.
As these developments unfold, Moscow has intensified its aerial bombardment across Ukraine, with recent strikes affecting residential areas in Kharkiv. One such attack has tragically claimed the life of a three-year-old child and injured at least 19 others. Zelensky labeled the assault “heinous,” condemning it as part of Russia’s ongoing disregard for human life amid international diplomatic efforts. In response, Russia’s defense ministry refuted Ukraine’s claims, asserting that their military did not conduct strikes within Kharkiv’s city limits.
In light of the escalating violence, Ukrainian authorities have ordered the evacuation of over 3,000 children and their families from 44 front-line settlements located in the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Since early June, more than 150,000 individuals have been evacuated from frontline areas, reflecting the urgent need to safeguard civilians from the conflict.
On another front, tensions have risen as Russia has accused Ukraine of an offensive that resulted in the deaths of 28 people in an occupied area, warning of potential repercussions. Ukraine, however, argues that the attack was aimed at a military gathering and that civilians were not involved.
Amidst these unfolding events, President Zelensky named Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of military intelligence, as his new top aide following a corruption scandal that led to the resignation of his previous chief of staff. Additionally, Zelensky announced plans to replace Defense Minister Denys Shymgal with Mykhailo Fedorov, a political newcomer with expertise in drone technology and digital transformation.
Since the conflict’s commencement in February 2022, Russia has characterized its actions as a “special military operation” aimed at curbing NATO expansion—a narrative Ukraine and its allies have denounced as misleading. The ensuing battles have led to significant territorial losses and daily bombardments impacting various cities and towns across Ukraine.
