• Putin expresses hope for continued peace talks but maintains that the war's momentum favors Russia.
• Trump threatens new sanctions against Russia unless it acts by August 8 to end the conflict.
• Ukraine denies Russian claims of military control over the town of Chasiv Yar.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy calls for direct talks with Putin, emphasizing the need for decisive action.
• Recent Russian airstrikes in Kyiv resulted in the death of 31 people, raising tensions further.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that while Moscow is hopeful for more peace talks with Ukraine, the momentum of the war is currently in Russia's favor, signaling no change in his position despite a looming deadline from the United States for new sanctions. President Donald Trump has indicated that he will impose these sanctions unless Russia takes steps by August 8 to end the ongoing conflict that has lasted over three years. Trump has expressed growing frustration with Putin, accusing him of "bullshit" and labeling Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine as "disgusting," according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and Dawn.

Without directly addressing Trump's ultimatum, Putin mentioned that previous peace talks had yielded some positive outcomes and expressed Russia's willingness to continue negotiating. He remarked, "As for any disappointments on the part of anyone, all disappointments arise from inflated expectations," emphasizing that meaningful negotiations must occur privately and calmly. Concurrently, he noted that Russian troops are actively engaged across the front lines, citing a recent claim by the Defense Ministry regarding the capture of Chasiv Yar, a claim that Ukraine has disputed, stating it is not fully under Russian control, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and Dawn.

Ukraine has been consistently calling for an immediate ceasefire, whereas Russia insists it seeks a final resolution to the conflict rather than a temporary halt. The ongoing military operations have included some of the most intense air strikes since peace negotiations began in Istanbul earlier this year, particularly targeting Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his call for direct talks with Putin, indicating that the global community is aware of who holds the power to end the conflict. "We understand who makes the decisions in Russia and who must end this war. The whole world understands this too," he stated, urging for a meeting to facilitate progress in peace efforts, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and Dawn.

Tragically, recent Russian airstrikes on Kyiv have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with a reported 31 deaths, including five children, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic resolution. The devastation from a recent drone and missile attack underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, as rescue operations continue in the aftermath of the assault that left extensive damage to civilian infrastructure. Zelenskyy has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of Trump's tough stance against Putin, reflecting the overall uncertainty surrounding the international community's ability to influence the situation positively, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and Dawn.