Russia-Ukraine War: Latest Updates in the Past 24 Hours – Ceasefire Talks Amid Escalating Clashes

 Key developments from the battlefield to diplomatic fronts, updated May 22, 2025

Ongoing Clashes and Casualties

In the past 24 hours, the Russia-Ukraine war has seen heightened tensions and continued hostilities.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, air defense systems intercepted 105 Ukrainian drones, with 35 of them shot down over the Moscow region.
(Source: Al Jazeera)

Ukrainian drone strike aftermath in Belgorod region, May 2025

In the Kherson region, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported one fatality and 11 injuries following shelling and airstrikes carried out by Russian forces.
(Source: Al Jazeera)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the fiercest fighting is occurring in the Donetsk region. He also confirmed that Ukrainian forces are conducting active operations in Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod regions.
(Source: Al Jazeera)

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Ceasefire Talks and International Reactions

Following a two-hour phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 19, Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine would begin "immediate ceasefire negotiations."
(Source: ABC News)

However, Russia has rejected a full ceasefire, reiterating its demands for Ukraine to recognize Moscow’s control over four occupied regions.
(Source: Kyiv Independent)

Russian officials continue to question the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government, casting doubts over the credibility of negotiations.
(Source: ISW)

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Military and Political Developments

President Putin visited the Kursk region for the first time since claiming to have repelled Ukrainian forces from the area last month.
(Source: Reuters)

Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to launch drone strikes on Russian border regions, including Belgorod and Kursk, in an effort to exert pressure on Moscow.
(Source: Al Jazeera)

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Conclusion

The latest 24-hour snapshot of the Russia-Ukraine war paints a picture of escalating conflict and fragile diplomatic engagement.
While signals of peace talks emerge, both sides remain entrenched in their demands. Civilians in the war-torn regions continue to bear the brunt of the violence, as the world watches with growing concern.