Security Guarantees for Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries have pledged postwar security guarantees for Ukraine. These could include land, sea, or air deployments once a peace deal is signed. However, Moscow has strongly rejected the idea, with President Vladimir Putin warning that any Western troops in Ukraine would be seen as “legitimate targets.” Russia’s Foreign Ministry also reinforced this stance, saying foreign soldiers would not be tolerated in any peace agreement.
Putin Says Peace Is “Practically Impossible”
Speaking on Friday, Putin declared that a peace deal is “practically impossible” due to what he described as “technical difficulties.” This statement casts further doubt on diplomatic efforts to end the war in the near future.
Ukraine Strengthens Drone Defense
On the battlefield, Ukraine is pushing to improve its interceptor drone capabilities. Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi stressed the need for a multi-layered air defense system as Russia intensifies its drone and missile strikes. Ukraine reports that it intercepted 430 of 502 drones and 21 of 24 missiles in one night, showing both the scale of attacks and the effectiveness of its defenses.
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Gaza on the Brink: Israeli Offensive Deepens War’s Humanitarian Toll
Church Ban Sparks Debate
Domestically, the Ukrainian government has launched legal proceedings to potentially ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), citing its ties to the pro-war Russian Orthodox Church. Critics, however, warn that such a move could threaten religious freedom.
Energy Sector Resilience
Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, has announced major progress in rebuilding its war-damaged infrastructure. Despite heavy losses, the company has restored 70% of its capacity and resumed electricity exports. DTEK is also driving Ukraine’s green energy shift, investing in wind farms, battery storage, and international partnerships.
Rising Rhetoric from Russia
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev escalated tensions by insulting UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and threatening that Russia could seize British Crown valuables. This comes in response to the UK’s decision to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
Russian Troop Buildup in Donetsk
Reports indicate that around 100,000 Russian soldiers have gathered near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, raising concerns of a new large-scale offensive aimed at capturing more territory in eastern Ukraine.
Conclusion
From rising troop buildups to new international pledges of support, the war shows no sign of easing. While Ukraine continues to adapt militarily and rebuild domestically, Russia is signaling both escalation and resistance to peace efforts. The coming weeks could prove critical in shaping the next phase of this conflict.