Nearly three years into the war in Ukraine, there is no sign of a ceasefire despite international efforts to end the conflict.
The latest flashpoint occurred in Russia’s Kursk region, where an attack on a former school building has led to mutual accusations between Ukraine and Russia.
Both sides claim the other is responsible for the strike that killed and injured several civilians.
According to Linternaute, Ukrainian forces reported that a Russian-guided bomb targeted the school in Soudja on Saturday, leaving four dead and multiple others injured.
The structure, located in a town controlled by Ukraine since its offensive in August 2024, had been repurposed as a civilian shelter.
Russia, however, accused Ukraine of deliberately attacking the site, calling it a "war crime."
Ceasefire Negotiations Under Pressure
The escalating violence complicates diplomatic efforts to broker peace.
U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg emphasized on Sunday that "both sides will need to make concessions" to achieve a ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains under pressure to ease his stance on territorial concessions, though his government continues to reject any such compromise.
A Ukrainian presidential adviser dismissed Kellogg’s proposal, criticizing it as insufficient.
"If his plan only involves a ceasefire and elections, it’s bound to fail," said Dmytro Lytvyn, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not be deterred by such measures.
The conflict has seen intense fighting in Ukraine's east and south.
Over the weekend, at least 23 people were killed in Russian air and drone strikes, including five civilians in Kherson and 14 in Poltava after a missile hit a residential building.
Ukrainian forces reported additional casualties in Sumy and Kharkiv, while Russian authorities claimed two deaths from Ukrainian drone attacks in Belgorod.
Continuing Violence and Humanitarian Impact
Despite losing control of some occupied areas in recent months, Russian forces have regained much of the territory around Soudja.
Hundreds of civilians remain trapped in these contested zones, with limited access to aid or communication. President Zelensky condemned the destruction, stating, "Russian bombs destroy Ukrainian homes indiscriminately."
Meanwhile, Ukraine faces difficulties mobilizing recruits amid ongoing casualties. Explosions near military recruitment centers over the weekend have further destabilized efforts to bolster the country's defenses.
As the conflict continues, international calls for compromise grow louder, but both sides remain entrenched, with no clear path to peace in sight.
