Deadlines and Deadlock

Russia has captured 105 square miles of Ukrainian territory over two weeks, reportedly entering Pokrovsk and taking most of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk. The fall of Chasiv Yar would bring Moscow closer to encircling Kostiantynivka, a key Ukrainian stronghold. In a policy shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has hardened his stance on Russia by setting an August 8th deadline for a ceasefire. This move coincided with a White House envoy's visit to Moscow and the signing of an order to impose tariffs.