The assessment by former US President Donald Trump that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is "doing pretty well" against Russia comes as European allies prepare to deliver a unified message of support at the forthcoming NATO summit in Ankara. Mr Zelenskyy's efforts are set against a backdrop of ongoing humanitarian disaster and loss of life, with over 1,583 days since the conflict began.
As world leaders converge on Turkey for the July 7-8 gathering, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has conveyed that Ukraine remains strong and that Europe's support is unwavering. With the UK Prime Minister expected to join other leaders from 32 nations, including Mr Trump, at the summit, the message to Russia is clear: intensified pressure must be applied to bring an end to the conflict.
On the ground, Ukraine has escalated its offensive actions, with President Zelenskyy instructing intelligence services and the military to "act pre-emptively against facilities Russia uses to expand its war effort". This strategy involves expanding strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, aiming to compel Moscow to engage in peace talks. Recent Ukrainian drone attacks have reportedly caused power outages in Russian-held Crimea and targeted facilities in central and southern Russia.
The human cost of the conflict continues to be stark, with a recent incident in Ukraine's southern Kherson region tragically killing two mine disposal experts working for Norwegian People’s Aid. The strike also left four other specialists wounded, according to Kherson region governor Oleksandr Prokudin. These individuals were Ukrainian citizens, confirmed the deputy head of the Kherson region's military administration.
Internally within Russia, dissent against the war appears to be met with severe penalties. Maxim Kruglov, 39, the deputy leader of the anti-war Yabloko party and a former Moscow city lawmaker, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for "spreading lies" about the Russian army. Mr Kruglov, who pleaded not guilty, stated that the verdict effectively constituted "a ban on dissent", highlighting the shrinking space for public criticism of the conflict within Russia.