Kyiv – The war in Ukraine has taken a significant turn as Russian forces break through Ukrainian lines in Kursk, effectively splitting the Ukrainian offensive and threatening a major supply route.
Telegraph documented that open-source intelligence and live battlefield maps indicate that Russian gains have been aided by North Korean troops, marking an intensified phase of the conflict.
The only Ukrainian access road into Sudzha, a strategic town in the Kursk region, is now reportedly within range of Russian first-person view (FPV) drones, further complicating Ukraine’s defensive efforts and limiting the ability to conduct an organized retreat.
The situation on the ground suggests that Ukraine could face major logistical challenges as Russia closes in on tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops fighting inside Russian territory.
Trump Threatens Large-Scale Sanctions to Halt Russian Offensive
As the battlefield shifts in Moscow’s favor, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued his strongest warning to Russia, threatening massive banking sanctions and tariffs if the Kremlin does not halt its military push.
“Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions, sanctions, and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and final settlement agreement on peace is reached,” Trump declared.
In an unusual direct address to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump urged immediate peace talks, stating:
“To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!”
Despite Trump’s verbal support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, his administration has halted all military aid to Kyiv. Additionally, intelligence-sharing channels between Washington and Ukraine have been suspended, further weakening Ukraine’s defensive posture.
The policy shift has sparked concerns among European leaders, as Ukraine becomes increasingly vulnerable amid Russia’s growing offensive momentum.
Overnight, Russia launched missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian gas infrastructure, crippling essential energy supplies. The strategic bombardment suggests that Moscow is intensifying economic warfare, aiming to disrupt Ukraine’s domestic stability as well as its military operations.
Reports indicate that tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops who captured Russian territory in Kursk are now at risk of being encircled, raising fears of a large-scale surrender or catastrophic battlefield losses.
Zelensky Pushes for Partial Truce at EU Summit
At a high-stakes EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a partial ceasefire, urging Russia to stop attacks on air, sea, and critical infrastructure. His request seeks to test whether Putin is open to negotiations or remains committed to a prolonged war effort.
With over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers fighting inside Russian territory, the unfolding crisis puts further pressure on Kyiv to secure international support, while Russia’s latest gains suggest an increasingly difficult road ahead for Ukraine.
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