May 28, 2025
Russian forces have seized four villages along Ukraine’s northeastern border in the Sumy region, escalating tensions just days after President Vladimir Putin announced plans to create a buffer zone. Sumy, which borders Russia’s Kursk region, was previously the site of a surprise Ukrainian incursion—the first occupation of Russian territory since World War II. The proposed buffer zone appears to be aimed at preventing similar cross-border attacks in the future. Meanwhile, Russia's aerial bombardment campaign has eased slightly, with fewer drone attacks reported overnight. Despite diplomatic overtures and a major prisoner exchange following rare peace talks in Turkey, there has been little progress toward a meaningful ceasefire.
As diplomatic momentum fades, Russian media has cast doubt on the viability of former President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan, with Kremlin-aligned voices mocking its decline. A Moscow newspaper declared the plan to be in its “death throes,” suggesting even Trump would soon be forced to acknowledge its failure. With Putin strengthening ties with China, Iran, and North Korea, analysts fear he may feel emboldened to challenge NATO, possibly in the Baltics. Meanwhile, concerns grow over U.S. military readiness—highlighting aging infrastructure, a diminished fighter fleet, and naval inferiority to China. Critics warn that any ceasefire without decisive action could merely give Russia time to rearm, making future aggression more likely.
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SOURCE: AP News