Donetsk Battles and Diplomatic Maneuvering Amidst Ukraine Conflict

In the Donetsk region of Ukraine, residents were seen evacuating a residential building damaged by a Russian strike in Bilozerske on August 12, 2025. The ongoing Russian invasion continues to impact the fate of several Ukrainian regions currently occupied by Russian forces, which is a central focus of international diplomatic efforts.

South Africa has joined the chorus of voices advocating for a summit between Ukraine and Russia. Meanwhile, Russian forces are making slow but steady advances in the eastern Donetsk region, inching closer to key Ukrainian defensive lines. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the capture of the villages of Sredneye and Kleban-Byk. The capture of Kleban-Byk would represent a further advance towards Kostiantynivka, a strategically important town.

On Friday, Russia announced the capture of three villages within the Donetsk region, which it claims to have annexed in September 2022. However, Ukrainian military officials reported that their forces had halted a Russian advance and recaptured the village of Zeleny Gai in the Donetsk region. Russia had previously claimed to have captured this village in July.

Hopes for a summit between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents are diminishing. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has added his voice to the calls for such a summit, emphasizing the urgency of bilateral and trilateral meetings between the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Ramaphosa, who currently chairs the G20, has also spoken with French and Finnish leaders and plans to engage with other European leaders in the coming weeks.

Ramaphosa, who has previously described Vladimir Putin as a "dear ally," spoke with him on Monday. Despite this, South Africa supported a UN resolution earlier this year that condemned Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated his readiness for any meeting with Putin but accused Moscow of attempting to delay the process. He urged the Global South to exert pressure on Russia to pursue peace. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has indicated that no meeting is currently planned.