The Russian army has intensified its front-line attacks in southern Ukraine, reportedly overrunning three settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region amidst dense fog that enabled troop infiltration. Ukrainian forces, according to Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, are engaged in “grueling battles” to repel the Russian advances, particularly in the besieged city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, which has seen a significant uptick in clashes. The ongoing conflict is compounded by U.S. sanctions targeting major Russian oil companies, raising stakes for President Putin, who remains resistant to serious peace negotiations while seeking to capture more territory. This escalation underscores the ongoing volatility in the region and the challenges facing international diplomatic efforts.