Putin-Xi Talks Fail to Seal PS-2 as Ukraine Counterattacks Intensify

During Putin’s visit to China, Moscow and Beijing did not secure a Power of Siberia-2 pipeline deal, signing only minor bilateral accords. Meanwhile Ukraine is regaining tactical momentum across multiple fronts, recapturing Kupyansk and pushing in western Zaporizhzhia, while Russian forces push elsewhere. Kyiv’s long-range strikes hit Russian oil refining and energy facilities, constraining production, and a broad Russian missile/drone campaign targeted Ukrainian infrastructure. Ukrainian sources claim high Russian casualties and Moscow’s recruitment is lagging, with ISW noting redeployments from Kupyansk to Lyman and ongoing infiltration efforts. Overall, Ukraine appears to be tightening its grip on several sectors as Moscow reorients to defense and rear-area priorities.