US-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia: Europe Left on Edge as Trump Moves Toward Peace with Putin
Donald Trump has shifted the dynamics of the Ukraine conflict ahead of crucial peace talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia
Over 70,000 Russian soldiers have died in the conflict in Ukraine, with the largest group of casualties being volunteers who enlisted in the military, according to a joint report by the BBC and Mediazona. Of the total, 13,781 volunteers—about 20%—have been confirmed dead. The figures, based on open sources like official reports, obituaries, funeral photographs, and social media posts, likely underestimate the real toll. Deaths from the occupied Donbas region, which could number in the thousands, are not included.
A significant number of volunteer deaths are attributed to their being sent into combat with inadequate training. Other high-risk groups include amnesty beneficiaries, followed closely by former prisoners, who account for 19% of the casualties, and those mobilized, at 13%. By October 2023, the number of daily deaths among volunteers enlisting under contracts with the Russian Department of Defense ranged between 100 and 310.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has made her eighth visit to Kyiv since the war began. She stated on social media that the trip was focused on discussing European support for Ukraine, covering topics such as energy during the upcoming heating season, defense, EU integration, and 50 billion dollars in G7 loans funded by frozen Russian assets.
Kateryna Maternova, the European Commission’s representative in Ukraine, warned that the winter ahead would be challenging, particularly in major cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa, where Russian attacks have severely damaged energy and heating infrastructure.
Sweden has not ruled out the possibility of sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine in the future
US President Donald Trump dismissed claims that Russia would eventually go to war with NATO
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that he is prepared to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a potential peacekeeping mission
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that without military aid from the United States, Ukraine would face immense difficulties both in its defense and in securing its future
On the night of February 13-14, a Russian loitering munition carrying a high-explosive incendiary warhead struck the shelter of the 4th reactor at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant
US Vice President JD Vance has indicated that Washington may impose sanctions and potentially take military action against Russia if President Vladimir Putin refuses to negotiate a peace deal ensuring Ukraine's long-term independence
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