Summary
Russia claimed to have captured key cities in Ukraine, but Ukraine disputed these claims, calling them propaganda meant to influence ongoing peace talks. Despite Russia’s rejection of the latest U.S. peace proposal, discussions between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and a key aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to continue. Meanwhile, Ukraine's government faced internal issues with the dismissal of a high-profile official amid corruption allegations.
Key Facts
- Russia rejected a recent U.S. peace proposal for Ukraine.
- Russia claimed victories in the Ukrainian cities of Pokrovsk, Vovchansk, and Kupiansk, which Ukraine denied.
- Ukrainian forces reported ongoing defense efforts in the contested cities.
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was in Moscow for peace talks with Russian officials.
- President Putin's aide, Yury Ushakov, stated that no specific agreements had been made in the talks.
- The discussions are based on a U.S. peace plan initially formulated by President Donald Trump and President Putin.
- Ukraine's government faced internal turmoil with the firing of a key political figure over corruption claims.
- Russia currently occupies less than 20% of Ukraine, less than at the peak of its invasion.
