Russia Advances 144 Sq Km in Eastern Ukraine Ahead of Summit

Russian forces have accelerated their offensive in eastern Ukraine, seizing 144 square kilometers in the past week, a rate nearly 1.5 times faster than in previous weeks, with significant gains around strategic logistics hubs such as Pokrovsk and Dobropillia. This advance threatens to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines and could lead to a collapse or encirclement of Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region. The build-up and recent territorial gains come just days before a planned summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, where discussions are expected to focus on the ongoing conflict. Putin has reportedly proposed a pause in fighting contingent on Ukraine withdrawing from the Donetsk region, a condition strongly opposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and EU leaders. Meanwhile, Russia is also quietly expanding its military presence in northeastern Syria, reinforcing Qamishli Airport with troops, equipment, and infrastructure under cover of night to secure strategic interests amid shifting alliances. These developments underscore Russia's multifaceted military strategy in both Ukraine and Syria, as global attention centers on the upcoming Putin-Trump summit.