Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly willing to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine with former U.S. President Donald Trump, sources within the Kremlin have revealed.
However, according to a Reuters report, any potential agreement would require Ukraine to abandon its aspirations to join NATO.
While the Russian government has expressed readiness for talks, Moscow has ruled out relinquishing any territories it has annexed since the conflict began. Currently, Russia controls a significant portion of Ukrainian territory, equivalent in size to the U.S. state of Virginia, with its military operations advancing at a rapid pace.
Embassy Closures Amid Air Strike Warnings
As tensions escalated, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv announced its temporary closure, citing intelligence of an imminent “significant air attack.” Staff members have been instructed to shelter in place, and U.S. citizens were urged to remain prepared to seek immediate cover during air alerts.
Meanwhile, the British Embassy in Kyiv remains operational. The UK government states that the safety of its staff and nationals remains a top priority. Officials emphasise that travel advice and the embassy’s status are closely monitored.
Ukraine Strikes Russian Territory with U.S.-Made Missiles
Ukraine has intensified its counterattacks, launching six American-made ATACMS long-range missiles into Russia’s Bryansk region.
This follows U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to approve the use of these missiles and supply anti-personnel landmines to Kyiv. A U.S. defence official confirmed that the landmines would be delivered soon.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed to have intercepted five missiles, although debris reportedly damaged a military facility.
Ukrainian officials stated that the strikes targeted ammunition depots to weaken Russia’s military capabilities.
In the UK, some Conservative MPs criticised the government for delays in supplying long-range Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine.
escalation.’
Foreign Secretary David Lammy dismissed the accusations, insisting that the UK is at the forefront of military aid to Ukraine, but declined to share operational details, citing security concerns.
Putin Signs Revised Nuclear Doctrine
On the 1,000th day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Putin signed amendments to the country’s nuclear deterrence policy. The new doctrine declares that a conventional attack on Russia if supported by atomic power, would be considered a joint assault and could justify a nuclear response.
Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range missiles could trigger this response under the updated policy. While the amendments have not been formally enacted, Peskov indicated they could be legally codified.
Escalating Threats from Russian Officials
Russian state media amplified threats of nuclear retaliation, with prominent propagandist Dmitry Kiselyov warning that strikes deep into Russian territory would “radically escalate” the conflict. Andrey Gurulev, a former Russian general and current MP, suggested that the UK could be the first target of a nuclear strike as a demonstration of Moscow’s power.
Gurulev dismissed the possibility of Western retaliation, claiming that NATO nations fear Russia’s advanced hypersonic weapons.
He further warned that if Western countries continue to supply missiles such as ATACMS and Storm Shadows, “there will be essentially nothing left of America” in the event of a full-scale escalation.
Russia Strikes Back Across Ukraine
Russia launched a widespread counteroffensive following Ukraine’s missile strikes, targeting multiple cities. In Sumy, a Ukrainian northern town, a missile strike on a nine-story building killed eight people and injured dozens. Rescue teams are currently combing through the rubble, searching for survivors.
The situation in Ukraine remains precarious, with both sides ramping up their military operations and no immediate prospects for a peaceful resolution. As diplomatic efforts falter, the risk of a broader conflict continues to grow.
