Russia-Ukraine Conflict Escalates Amid Diplomatic Efforts

Residents in Russian-occupied Ukraine face a brutal and repressive environment as the Kremlin attempts to erase Ukrainian identity. People living in occupied territories are subject to harsh punishments for dissent, forced to take Russian passports, and denied basic services like healthcare if they refuse. Underground resistance groups, including an all-female movement, continue to distribute anti-Russian materials and engage in peaceful protests despite the risks. The Russian authorities have installed surveillance systems and imposed repressive laws to quash dissent, with numerous activists killed or disappeared. Propaganda is widespread, with billboards, schools, and media outlets promoting a pro-Russian narrative and demonizing Ukraine. As peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia continue, those living under occupation fear a future where their culture and identity are suppressed.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg as Donald Trump urged Russia to "get moving" on a ceasefire in Ukraine. The meeting, which lasted over four hours, focused on aspects of a Ukrainian settlement. Trump expressed frustration over the progress of talks, stating that "too many people are dying" in the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of prolonging the war and alleged that Chinese nationals were fighting alongside Russian forces. European nations pledged €21bn in military aid to Ukraine.

Prince Harry made a surprise visit to Ukraine to tour a rehabilitation clinic for wounded soldiers and meet with patients and medical professionals. The clinic provides prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, and psychological help free of charge to military personnel injured in the ongoing war with Russia. Harry was accompanied by the Invictus Games Foundation, a charity he founded to help wounded veterans through sports competitions.

US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a possible ceasefire in Russia's war in Ukraine. The White House said the meeting was another step towards a ceasefire and peace deal. Putin's spokesman cautioned that no breakthroughs were expected. The meeting is Witkoff's third visit to Russia since Trump's return to the White House, and comes as Trump continues to push for an end to the war, criticizing both Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin.

Russian ballistic missiles struck the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday, killing at least 35 people, including two children, and wounding 117 others. The attack, which targeted the city center, was the deadliest of the conflict this year and was widely condemned by Ukraine's allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strikes were carried out by ballistic missiles, one of which hit a university building, and called for a strong response from the world. Preliminary information indicates that cluster munitions were used in the attack, which damaged 20 buildings, including apartments, cafes, and shops. Russian officials claimed that the military "strikes exclusively at military and near-military targets," despite evidence suggesting that civilians were targeted. International leaders, including US President Donald Trump and European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, condemned the attack, with Trump saying he was told Russia "made a mistake."

Ukrainians living under Russian occupation fear that US President Donald Trump's peace talks could lead to further territorial losses for Ukraine, forcing them to live under Russian rule permanently. A woman from a city in southeastern Ukraine, who is part of an all-female resistance group called Zla Mavka, said life under occupation is "exhausting and incredibly scary." She described the constant fear of arrest and detention, and the efforts of Russian forces to erase Ukrainian culture and identity. A 22-year-old man, Stepan, who recently escaped from occupied territory, shared his experience of being detained and tortured by Russian troops. Human rights groups have reported that Moscow is intensifying its campaign to "Russify" occupied Ukraine, forcing people to adopt Russian passports and erasing Ukrainian language and traditions. Those who refuse to comply face dire consequences, including arrest, detention, and deportation to Russia. The Ukrainians living under occupation are worried that Trump's peace talks will legitimize Russia's control over their territory and force them to remain under Russian rule.

Outgoing Polish President Andrzej Duda believes US President Donald Trump is Ukraine's best chance for peace and has urged allies to remain calm over Trump's tariff policies, describing them as "shock therapy". Duda, who has been in office for 10 years, expressed his admiration for Trump and confidence in his ability to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing Trump's past actions against Putin's energy ambitions. Duda hopes a planned US military base in Poland, nicknamed "Fort Trump", will become a reality, and emphasized the importance of security for Poland, which has invested 4.7% of its GDP in defence spending for 2025.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks, as President Donald Trump called on Russia to "get moving" to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting, Witkoff's third with Putin this year, is seen as a sign of the Trump administration's increasing frustration with the lack of progress in peace talks. Putin has expressed willingness for a ceasefire but has conditions, including Ukraine's recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea and a pledge not to join NATO. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed calls for more air defense systems after a Russian missile strike killed 20 people, including nine children, in his hometown.

US President Donald Trump said talks to end the Ukraine war may be going well, but warned that there comes a point when parties must "put up or shut up". Trump made the comment after his special envoy held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid stalled US-Russia dialogue on a ceasefire and peace deal. Trump has shown signs of losing patience with Russia and previously threatened to impose secondary sanctions on countries buying Russian oil if Moscow drags its feet on a deal.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is expected to visit Russia soon, sparking speculation he may join Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow's Red Square for Victory Day on May 9, marking a potential first-ever public appearance by the three leaders together and signaling solidarity against US pressure.