Russia pushes deeper into Ukraine as the world is distracted by the Middle East, allowing Russian troops to make the most  territorial gains in 18 months.

While the US and the international community watch the recent escalation between Iran and Israel, Vladimir Putin moved quickly to escalate hostilities in Ukraine. According to analysts, in June Russian forces took more Ukrainian territory than in any month since November 2023. This mainly involves advancing in the eastern regions and gathering troops near the Sumy area. Ukraine also reported the largest air strike since the full-scale invasion began, which happened in June.

Although Russia’s gains are limited, experts believe the Kremlin is acting deliberately while the West shifts its focus to the Middle East.

Putin may be trying to boost Russia’s influence before possible future negotiations, says retired U.S. Army Colonel Amos Fox. Amid global chaos, the Kremlin seems to be attempting to take the lead – and while the world’s attention is on other conflicts, Ukraine could lose even more territory.