Ukraine Warns Russia Plans Major Donetsk, Kherson Offensive by September

A senior Ukrainian delegation visiting Washington has warned of Russia's plans for a new offensive, particularly aiming to occupy the rest of Donetsk and Luhansk regions by September. Ukraine emphasized the need for stronger U.S. military support and stricter sanctions on Russia to pressure Moscow into genuine peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's Deputy Chair of the Security Council and former president, declared that retaliation against Ukraine's recent drone strikes on Russian airfields is inevitable, underscoring Russia's ongoing military offensive and dismissing negotiations as a means to delay their full victory. The recent drone attacks by Ukraine reportedly destroyed around 40 Russian bombers, marking a significant success for Kyiv's forces. Despite ongoing talks held in Istanbul, the two sides failed to agree on a ceasefire, with Russia demanding territorial concessions and Ukraine rejecting terms it views as capitulation. Both sides agreed to exchange prisoners of war and bodies, but tensions remain high as Russia prepares for further military action.