Ukraine war continues as Russia rejects peace freeze, analysts say

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov accused the United States of driving Ukraine’s recent successes, echoing broader Russian claims that the conflict serves American interests. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes have increasingly targeted Russian strategic infrastructure, including refineries and fuel depots, but Russian officials argue that Moscow sees no incentive to pause the war and aims to consolidate territorial gains.

The European Union has extended sanctions against Russia and continues to back Kyiv, yet growing public fatigue and concerns over economic costs are prompting debate across European capitals. Analysts such as Gianandrea Gaiani contend that a diplomatic “freeze” is unlikely, noting that Russia’s military advances and internal support for the war diminish the prospect of a negotiated pause. The outlook remains a continued escalation of hostilities rather than a move toward a negotiated settlement.