Peace talks with Russia have reached a dead end; a solution is possible only on the battlefield.

In May 2025, Russian troops captured the largest number of Ukrainian territories since the end of 2022. This is part of the large-scale summer offensive that has been undertaken by the Russian Federation. The WSJ notes that peace talks have reached a dead end, and now the fate of the war in Ukraine will be determined solely on the battlefield. This is why Russia seeks to achieve significant successes on the front line, in order to compel Kyiv to accept its terms, which would effectively amount to surrender.

Russia is conducting offensive operations in the Donetsk and Sumy directions and is building up its forces in the Zaporizhzhia region.

At the same time, despite the evident reluctance of the Kremlin to engage in constructive dialogue, the US still hopes for negotiation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the aggressor state on its national holiday, which is celebrated on June 12. Rubio noted that the US “remains committed to supporting the Russian people as as they continue to build on their aspirations for a brighter future.” He also said that the US maintains its desire for constructive engagement with the Russian Federation to bring about a durable peace between Russia and Ukraine.