Less than a kilometer from Poland: Russia increases pressure on Ukraine

The Kremlin claims its forces are advancing on the Ukrainian front, expanding strikes deep into territory and moving toward the Polish border. Russia's Defense Ministry reported improved positions in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions and the capture of the village of Chernyakov. Zelenskyy rejects Russian claims of success, while Trump pressures Kyiv. US mediation efforts have yet to yield a breakthrough, and Moscow demands extensive territorial concessions.

The Kremlin claims Russian forces continue to advance on the Ukrainian front, expanding strikes deep into Ukraine and moving toward the Polish border. Russia's Defense Ministry reported yesterday improved positions in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, and the capture of the village of Chernyakov in the Kharkiv region. The Russian claims have not been independently verified. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejects the Russian claims of success. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is pressuring Kyiv. American mediation efforts have yet to yield a breakthrough. The Kremlin has signaled willingness to resume trilateral talks with the United States and Ukraine, but Moscow continues to demand extensive territorial concessions from Kyiv, including full control of Donbas – a demand Ukraine refuses to accept.