Former US President Donald Trump has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that he will broker a peace deal to end the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, should he win the 2024 US presidential election. Trump claimed both sides could come to an agreement that halts the violence, bringing stability to the region and peace to the world.
As the war in Ukraine rages on, Russia announced further territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, claiming to have captured two more villages. The Ukrainian government, however, has not confirmed these reports and continues to call for more military support from western nations, particularly long-range missile systems, to strengthen its defence.
Russia’s Push in Eastern Ukraine
Russian forces reported the capture of Andriivka in the Luhansk region and Pishchane in Kharkiv, claiming they had secured more advantageous positions. This comes amid Russia’s sustained efforts to advance in eastern Ukraine, an area where its troops have been incrementally pushing forward for over a year. While Ukraine has resisted with significant success, it continues to face heavy bombardments from Russian artillery, drones, and missiles.
On Sunday, Ukrainian officials reported that at least five civilians had been wounded by Russian drone strikes and artillery fire. Despite Kyiv’s military successfully intercepting 35 out of 39 attack drones and two missiles, several areas suffered damage. In the Sumy region, Russian attacks reportedly destroyed homes and critical infrastructure, including heating facilities.
Kyiv’s Call for Greater Defence Capabilities
Zelenskiy emphasised the need for stronger air defence systems to protect Ukraine from continued Russian aggression. The Ukrainian president pointed out that Russia’s use of over 100 guided bombs daily poses a significant threat to cities, villages, and front-line positions. He called for additional western support, including long-range weapons capable of targeting Russian military assets, particularly airfields that launch the bombers responsible for these attacks.
The US and its allies have been reluctant to provide Ukraine with the means to strike deep into Russian territory, fearing further escalation of the conflict. Despite this, Zelenskiy continues to push for increased support, arguing that neutralising Russian military capabilities is crucial to defending Ukraine.
Russia’s Response and Ukraine’s Drone Campaign
In response to Ukraine’s ongoing military efforts, Russia claimed it had downed at least eight Ukrainian drones on Sunday. Ukraine’s drone attacks have primarily targeted Russian energy infrastructure, such as oil refineries and fuel depots, as well as military airfields and air defence systems. This campaign has escalated as Kyiv prepares to integrate US-made F-16 fighter jets into its air force, which are expected to be delivered in the coming months.
Meanwhile, both Russia and Ukraine are grappling with extreme heatwaves, exacerbating energy shortages and triggering blackouts across several regions. In Russia’s Krasnodar region, locals protested against rolling power cuts, a rare public demonstration against the authorities in the country.
Trump’s Conversation with Zelenskiy
Amid the ongoing conflict, Zelenskiy spoke with Donald Trump, who is currently campaigning for a return to the White House. Trump has raised concerns in Ukraine and across Europe by suggesting that he may reduce or halt US support for Kyiv if re-elected. Despite these fears, Trump told Zelenskiy he would “bring peace to the world” and end the war if he becomes president again.
Trump’s message was clear: he believes both sides can come together to negotiate a deal that ends the violence and paves the way for prosperity. However, his potential policies have stirred controversy, with critics arguing that his transactional approach to foreign policy may leave Ukraine vulnerable.
The Future of US Support for Ukraine
Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support Ukraine has received from the US, noting its critical role in Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. He reiterated that his country would continue to rely on American assistance to defend its sovereignty. As the 2024 US election approaches, the future of this support may hinge on the outcome, with Trump’s stance posing significant uncertainty for Kyiv.
Both leaders agreed to meet in person to discuss how to ensure peace that is both fair and lasting, hinting at a possible shift in US foreign policy depending on the election’s outcome.
