On Thursday, Russia announced a significant military breakthrough in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Russian armed forces, under the command of Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, have taken control of Kupyansk, a key city in the Kharkov region of eastern Ukraine. Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin that units of the Zapad (West) group had successfully seized the city and were intensifying efforts to encircle Ukrainian forces on the left bank of the Oskol River. This development marks an important milestone for Russia, as control over Kupyansk could influence further military operations in the region.
In addition to Kupyansk, Gerasimov stated that more than 80 percent of Vovchansk, another strategic city in Kharkov, is now under Russian control. Russian troops are also making advances in Krasnoarmeysk, known as Pokrovsk in Ukraine, where over 75 percent of the city has reportedly been captured. These territorial gains indicate a sustained offensive by Russian forces across eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian Countermeasures and Continued Resistance
While Russia reported progress on the ground, Ukraine launched its own operations targeting Russian assets. On the same day, the Ukrainian Air Force announced it had conducted airstrikes on an oil refinery in Ryazan, Russia. The Ukrainian military stated that these attacks were aimed at reducing Russia’s military-economic potential and disrupting logistical support for its operations.
Ukraine also faced intense pressure along the Pokrovsk front. According to Ukrainian reports, Russian forces initiated 43 assaults in that direction on Thursday alone. Ukrainian troops managed to repel 38 of these attacks, demonstrating ongoing resistance despite mounting challenges. The clashes highlight the intensity and volatility of fighting in eastern Ukraine as both sides seek to gain strategic advantages.
U.S. Peace Plan Presented Amid International Reactions
In parallel with military developments, diplomatic efforts for peace continue to unfold. On Thursday, U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev to discuss a new peace proposal drafted by the United States. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Zelensky officially received the U.S.-drafted plan and is expected to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump soon about diplomatic opportunities and key requirements for achieving peace.
Reports from U.S. media indicate that the draft plan consists of 28 points. It includes major territorial concessions by Ukraine and significant reductions in its armed forces. The plan also suggests limiting Ukraine’s access to long-range weapons and may rule out deploying European peacekeeping forces after any ceasefire agreement. These proposed terms have sparked debate regarding their potential impact on both sides and raised concerns among European leaders.
European Concerns Over Peace Negotiation Exclusion
The revelation of the U.S.-drafted peace plan has generated strong reactions across Europe. Many European officials are concerned about being excluded from negotiations and fear that aspects of the proposal may favor Russia’s interests. During an EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting on Thursday, Dutch Minister for Asylum and Migration David van Weel stated that no European leaders had been involved in drafting the new plan for peace between Russia and Ukraine.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that any viable peace plan must have support from both Ukraine and Europe. European leaders stress that an inclusive approach is essential for lasting stability and security in the region. The lack of European participation in shaping the proposal has heightened tensions and led to calls for greater collaboration among all parties involved.
