Trump distracts Zelensky, Russia exploits low Ukraine troop numbers to capture 15 strategic villages

As Trump pressures Zelensky to accept a sweeping peace deal, Moscow’s offensive erupts across southeastern Zaporizhzhia. Russia has reportedly seized more than 15 villages in three months, exploiting weak Ukrainian defenses and drone failures. With a 25km land grab and encirclement fears rising, Kyiv suffers major withdrawals and devastating pressure. Will Ukraine lose even more ground if it hesitates? Beneath these battlefield losses, options are narrowing fast—between Trump’s deal and Putin’s army, the stakes have never been higher.