De-escalating to escalate: Ceasefire is no longer on the horizon in Ukraine

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has entered a dangerous phase, mirroring the unresolved stalemate of the Korean War. Despite pressure from US President Donald Trump and recent meetings in Istanbul, neither side is willing to give up. Deliberate attacks on Russian military targets and infrastructure, timed just before ongoing peace talks, raise questions about the sincerity of any potential truce efforts. Both sides continue to escalate hostilities, with no sign of a breakthrough in negotiations, leaving the conflict poised for prolonged engagement that could further destabilize the region.