Ukraine explains why Russia’s invasion is grinding to a halt

WorldPolitics
24 Apr 2026 • 1:46 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Ukraine explains why Russia’s invasion is grinding to a halt

  • Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, stated that the country's frontline position is the "strongest" it has been in a year, attributing this to superior drone warfare and air defence capabilities.
  • Sybiha claimed Ukraine's drone use has minimised Russia's manpower advantage and that its air defence can intercept up to 90 per cent of incoming attacks.
  • Reports based on Institute for the Study of War data indicate Russia has lost nearly 23.2 square miles of land in Ukraine since 1 March, marking its poorest territorial progress in two and a half years.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for trilateral peace talks with Russia, but the Kremlin rejected this, insisting President Putin would only meet to finalise an already agreed peace deal.
  • The European Union unblocked €90 billion (£78.2 billion) in loan funds for Kyiv, which President Zelensky confirmed would strengthen Ukraine's military, economy, and critical infrastructure, with the first tranche expected in May or June.

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