The article discusses the ongoing war in Ukraine and Russia’s demands for international recognition of five Ukrainian territories as Russian. Despite promises from former US President Donald Trump to bring about peace in 100 days, the violence against Ukraine has only escalated.
Key points mentioned in the article:
* The spring offensive is ongoing, with no significant gains made by Russia.
* Russia continues to demand international recognition of five Ukrainian territories as Russian, a condition that Ukraine has ruled out.
* Conceding these territories would mean permanently handing over territory home to millions of Ukrainians.
* Dozens of Ukrainian civilians are killed each week in aerial strikes, while Russia grinds forward with its slow war of attrition.
* The largest change in battlelines since Trump’s election was the near collapse of Ukraine’s positions within Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
Overall, the article suggests that the prospects of a broader ceasefire appear slim as Russia continues to demand international recognition of five Ukrainian territories.