Russia Demands Expanded Control in Ukraine Peace Talks

Ukraine's navy, though significantly diminished since the 2022 invasion, maintains a strategic upper hand in the Black Sea, with Russian naval forces reportedly retreating and remaining inactive. The sinking of the Moskva, Russia's flagship, has left the Russian fleet with substantial losses, forcing their remaining vessels into hiding. Meanwhile, high-level peace talks between the US and Russia are ongoing, with Russia demanding complete control over four Ukrainian regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—despite not fully controlling these areas. While US officials aim for a limited ceasefire, Russian negotiators insist on territorial control as a prerequisite for halting hostilities. Ukraine continues to face bombardments, including a recent missile strike on a children's hospital, underscoring the ongoing violence despite diplomatic efforts. As the negotiations unfold, both sides express differing views on the prospects for peace and territorial disputes.