Medvedev casts Russia-Ukraine war as existential clash with the West as Ukraine gains Western support
ISW notes Dmitry Medvedev framed the war as an existential conflict with the West shortly after a Putin–Trump call, while the US released $400 million in Ukraine aid and Kyiv began using mobile F-16 flight simulators. On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces advanced in the Slovyansk and Kostyantynivka directions amid ongoing Russian offensives; Russia launched 206 drones overnight targeting Ukrainian energy and civilian infrastructure. Ukraine continues long‑range strikes against Russian oil facilities (Perm and Tuapse), while Russian forces press across multiple axes with limited gains. The analysis emphasizes Moscow’s persistent war aims, mixed battlefield momentum, and sustained Western support for Ukraine.