Russia Gains Ground in Ukraine Amidst Trump’s Peace Talk Claims and Zelensky’s Kursk Offensive

As the conflict nears its third year, Russian forces are making steady territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, despite claims from U.S. President Donald Trump that he will negotiate an end to the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed a new Ukrainian offensive in Russia’s Kursk region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin noted the evolving situation with action along the entire front daily in December.

Russian troops are steadily advancing through the Donbas region, capturing villages and towns. Some residents are evacuating, while others leave hastily as artillery fire approaches.

According to reports, Russia is gaining ground more quickly than at any time since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Approaching the conclusion of its third year, with an estimated toll of one million casualties, Ukraine seems to be on the losing end of this conflict.

Zelensky reported on February 8 that Russian forces are forming new military divisions, constructing additional defense industrial base (DIB) facilities, planning to increase military personnel by over 100,000 soldiers, and deepening military cooperations with North Korea.

This comes as Russia may be redeploying forces to facilitate offensive operations against Kostyantynivka in Spring or Summer 2025.

Despite this, Trump says Putin wants peace in Ukraine and will begin talks. Trump has demanded that Putin put an end to the war, which started in February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine without provocation.

Some analysts believe Trump is giving the upper hand to Russia in negotiations.