Russia-Ukraine War Weekly Update (May 26 – June 1, 2025): Military Escalation and Stalled Peace Talks

 A roundup of key developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict last week (May 26 – June 1, 2025), including intensified drone strikes, stalled Istanbul peace talks, and increased Western military support.

🔥 Military Escalation: Record Drone Strikes and Intense Shelling

Last week saw a significant surge in military activity on both sides:

• Ukraine launched "Operation Spider's Web," deploying 117 drones to strike a Russian airbase in Siberia, reportedly destroying 41 aircraft and causing $7 billion in damages.
  (Reuters)

• Russia responded with its largest drone assault yet, launching 472 UAVs overnight across Ukraine, causing severe damage and casualties.
  (Reuters)

Russia-Ukraine War Weekly Update (May 26 – June 1, 2025):
Military Escalation and Stalled Peace Talks

• In the Sumy region, Russian forces claimed to have seized an additional 450 km² in May, displacing residents from over 200 villages.
  (The Guardian)

🕊️ Peace Talks in Istanbul: No Significant Progress

On June 2, the second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks took place in Istanbul, Turkey, but hopes for real progress faded quickly:

• Russia failed to present a peace memo in advance, as previously promised, raising doubts about its intentions.
  (The Times)

• Ukraine demanded an immediate ceasefire, the return of POWs, and repatriation of children taken to Russia.
  (The Times)

• U.S. President Donald Trump warned he would consider reducing support if the parties fail to make meaningful progress.
  (Reuters)

🌍 Western Military Support Grows

Western countries are stepping up their military aid to Ukraine:

• Germany authorized the use of German-supplied long-range weapons against Russian military targets on Russian soil—marking a major policy shift.
  (TIME)

• The United States is reportedly reviewing restrictions on Ukrainian use of American long-range missiles.
  (TIME)

📊 Casualties and Territorial Control

• Casualties: Over 1.2 million people are estimated to have been killed or injured since the war began in February 2022.
  (Reuters)

• Territory: Russia currently controls about 19% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and parts of the Donbas region.
  (Russia Matters)

Last week’s events underline how the Russia-Ukraine war continues to intensify, with record-breaking drone attacks and stalled peace efforts. As both sides escalate and diplomacy falters, the humanitarian and geopolitical consequences grow more dire.

Related:Russia-Ukraine War Update – May 28, 2025: Intensified Drone Strikes, Diplomatic Movements, and Military Support Define the Day