How the Russia-Ukraine War Shifted in 2025 |
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Almost four years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, diplomatic efforts to stop the fighting have gained momentum. U.S. President Donald Trump, who once promised to end the war within 24 hours, has been putting intense pressure on Kyiv and its European backers to cut a deal with Moscow—even if it comes at Ukraine’s expense. After halting military aid to Kyiv earlier this year, Washington began advocating for Moscow’s territorial goals last month amid reports of White House plans for lucrative business deals with the Kremlin.
On the battlefield, a gruesome stalemate has set in. The 750-mile front is now so saturated with drones that movement is deadly, and Russia’s snail-paced gains have come at an immense human cost. Meanwhile, Russia has ramped up its nightly attacks on civilian targets while Ukraine is increasingly striking energy and military infrastructure deep inside Russia.
Almost four years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, diplomatic efforts to stop the fighting have gained momentum. U.S. President Donald Trump, who once