ACLED's latest analysis described how Russia's offensive "went into overdrive" in July, with over 2,600 battles recorded, the highest number since the war started on February 24, 2022, it says. The number of monthly battles has been increasing, reaching high after high, throughout the last several months of 2025.

A Trump-Putin meeting has been floated by both sides for some time. So why might either side want it to happen now?

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - For the first time since starting his second term in January, President Donald Trump plans on meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin face to face. Trump made the announcement Friday afternoon during an event at the White House. He later posted on social media the meeting is planned for August 15 in Alaska.