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.

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.

The announcement was made ahead of an expected prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia on Friday – an outcome of last week’s face-to-face talks in Turkey, the first time the two countries have held direct talks at any level in three years.

Kyiv reacts to Vladimir Putin’s decision to create a "buffer zone" on the border with Ukraine. "Putin has been and remains the only reason the killing continues", stated Andriy Sybiha, the head of Ukrainian diplomacy.

Despite Ukrainian drone attacks hitting the Russian capital, Moscow, President Vladimir Putin will reportedly 'reject' any peace deal in the Ukrainian war because he is convinced that he will win

The US and European leaders are placing their hopes in the Vatican to engage Russia and Ukraine in peace talks, after President Donald Trump said Pope Leo XIV had expressed interest in the idea. The Kremlin isn’t so keen.

The official assessment suggests Vladimir Putin is enlarging his nuclear arsenal not just to improve his position ion the battlefield, but also in response to global concerns about the possibility of WW3.

Vladimir Putin met with officials in the Kursk region, which may indicate plans to seize the Sumy region in Ukraine, reports the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Vladimir Putin, the leader of Russia,