UPDATE: The Kremlin has officially abandoned plans for an imminent meeting between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin as tensions escalate in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a statement from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, reported by state-run TASS news agency, he emphasized that there is “no need” for a hastily arranged summit at this time.
This decision comes just days after Trump expressed hopes for talks within two weeks in Budapest to address the escalating war. However, recent communications between U.S. and Russian officials indicated that Russia is unwilling to compromise on its demands regarding Ukraine, leading Trump to indefinitely postpone the summit, labeling it a “wasted meeting.”
Peskov reiterated Russia’s firm stance against calls for a ceasefire prior to negotiations, arguing that a political agreement must first be established before any fighting can cease. This shift highlights the ongoing complexities and deep divisions surrounding the conflict.
In further developments, a recent drone attack in Ukraine’s southwestern Odesa region has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least two people, with three others wounded. Local authorities reported that the drone strike targeted a car park in the early hours of Sunday, underscoring the relentless violence affecting civilians amid the conflict.
Moreover, in the frontline Zaporizhzhia region, Russian forces launched drone and missile attacks that left nearly 60,000 people without power. Zaporizhzhia regional head Ivan Fedorov confirmed that two individuals were injured in these attacks, which have caused significant damage to buildings, as seen in images shared on social media.
In a retaliatory move, a Ukrainian drone strike targeted the Tuapse port in Russia, setting an oil tanker and port infrastructure ablaze. Ukrainian intelligence officials claim that five drone strikes were executed by special forces, targeting key facilities critical to Russian oil exports. Local authorities reported damage to two foreign civilian ships during the incident.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that long-range strikes on Russian refineries have decreased their oil refining capacity by 20 percent, according to intelligence from allied sources. This development could further strain Russia’s military efforts as the conflict continues to unfold.
As the situation evolves, the world watches closely. The lack of dialogue between the U.S. and Russia only heightens the urgency for a resolution to the conflict, which remains a significant concern for international stability.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
