1. Introduction / Background
As the war enters its 1,172nd day, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate despite international calls for peace. On May 10, Ukraine and four European leaders proposed a30-day ceasefire to begin Monday, but Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the offer, instead suggesting direct talks without preconditions. Fighting remains intense along several frontlines, with Russia accused of violating its own declared ceasefire by continuing drone and artillery strikes. Meanwhile, international efforts intensify to hold Moscow accountable, and geopolitical tensions persist across military, diplomatic, and economiforcen.