Ukrainian forces are bracing for another major frontline assault from Russia after learning of a large build-up of pre-battle troops in the north east.

Russian armed forces are creating a “security buffer zone” along the border between Russia and Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

During a press gaggle aboard Air Force Two on May 19, 2025, Vice President JD Vance remarks that the Trump Administration will give up on ending the Russia-Ukraine War if Vladimir Putin is unwilling to end it.

Statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin about creating a buffer zone are evidence of the Russian Federation's aggression, said Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ukraine would like U.S. President Donald Trump to be present at a potential meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrinform reported on May 23, citing Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Russia is still refusing to sign up to an unconditional comprehensive ceasefire. It has no intention of returning any of the Ukrainian land it has seized, occupied and claims to have annexed. On the contrary: it's pushing for more.

An adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the Soviet Union (USSR) allegedly still exists from a legal standpoint, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi and Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation Andriy Kovalenko.

The Russian dictator is reportedly in a state of panic and is scrambling for defence after Ukraine carried out major strikes on a key military base 220 miles from the Kremlin