Bargaining over negotiations in the Ukraine war

These countries could organize such a summit in their own countries, Zelensky said in his evening video address. "From our side, everything will be ready to the maximum to end this war." However, it is important to continue to exert pressure on Moscow in order to drive out the Kremlin's delaying tactics. The USA is particularly important here.

Talks have already taken place in Istanbul

This year, Russia and Ukraine held direct negotiations with each other for the first time since 2022. At the talks in Istanbul, some humanitarian issues such as the exchange of prisoners and casualties were clarified. However, a peace solution is still a long way off.

The double summit recently held by US President Donald Trump - first with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska and then with Zelenskyi and the European allies in Washington - also failed to produce a breakthrough. Moscow is demanding that Kiev continue to renounce its goal of NATO membership and cede larger territories for peace. Ukraine rejects this with reference to its own constitution.

No real progress

Both sides are demonstrating their willingness to engage in dialog, especially to the outside world - in order to win Trump over to their side. US special envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News that he would be meeting with the Ukrainian side in New York this week. There are also talks with the Russian side "every day". Trump is "disappointed" with both Russia and Ukraine in some respects, Witkoff also said.

When asked whether Putin was possibly just using the Americans for his own purposes, Witkoff explained that he believed the Kremlin leader had made a genuine effort to engage in talks - and had signaled his willingness to end the war in Alaska.

Trump warns of "economic war"

Trump, however, warned against an "economic war". He did not want that, he said. It would be bad for Russia. The USA recently imposed sanctions against India over oil deals with Russia. At the same time, Trump accused Zelensky of not exactly being "innocent" either. "You have to bring them together", the Republican said of both sides. On the war, he said: "I want it to stop."

Kremlin puts the brakes on

The Kremlin is putting the brakes on direct negotiations between Putin and Zelensky on the grounds that these talks must first be prepared at a lower level with concrete agreements. There are also differences regarding the negotiating venues that Zelensky has now brought into play. The Russian leadership has already made it clear that it will not accept talks in Europe, as these states are not neutral in the conflict.

EU foreign policy chief Kallas in favor of new sanctions against Russia

The latest statements by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas are unlikely to defuse Russian reservations. The EU's chief diplomat called for new sanctions against Russia and its trading partners in order to force Moscow to the negotiating table. "I would certainly welcome it if the US administration were to impose further tough sanctions against Moscow as quickly as possible, including those that would affect Russia's supporters," she said in an interview with Die Welt.

In the event of peace, Ukraine must receive "credible and robust" security guarantees, said the Estonian-born politician. She spoke out in favor of well-equipped Western peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, even if not directly on the front line. Moscow repeatedly emphasizes that it will not accept Western troops in Ukraine in the event of a peace settlement.

Ukraine must resolve local crises on the front

Russia continues to see itself in the forefront on the front. Ukrainian military analysts have confirmed for the first time that Russian troops have entered the industrial region of Dnipropetrovsk, which lies to the west of the embattled Donetsk region. Experts from the Deepstate situation mapping service identified the towns of Zaporizhia and Novoheorhiyivka in the region as Russian-occupied.

"The Armed Forces of Ukraine have stopped the advance of the Russian conquerors and continue to control the village of Zaporizhia", the "Dnipro" army grouping responsible for the frontline section announced on Telegram. The battles for the neighboring hamlet of Novoheorhiyivka are continuing. Reports of an occupation are false, however.

War veterans and active soldiers are increasingly criticizing the fact that commanders are writing embellished situation reports and that the army command is not always aware of the real situation.

Problems in Kupjansk, counterattacks near Pokrovsk

Another crisis is brewing in the north-eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. According to independent military observers, Russian troops there have advanced further on the west side of the Oskil River and are approaching the strategically important Kupjansk junction. However, the pace of the Russian troops is slow.

A rapid breakthrough on the front, which the Kremlin leadership may be counting on, is therefore not in sight. In addition, the Ukrainian military has apparently stopped a Russian advance near Pokrovsk in the meantime and has launched counterattacks there.

Attacks on the fuel supply

Russia is also struggling with the ongoing drone attacks on its own territory. During the night, 15 residents of an apartment building in the city of Rostov-on-Don had to be evacuated after drone debris penetrated the roof and caused a fire.

More problematic, however, are the systematic attacks against the oil industry. Within just a few days, Ukrainian drones hit at least ten refineries in Russia. According to media reports, around 17 percent of oil processing capacity is now down as a result. This is leading to problems with fuel supplies.