A vast swathe of the Transbaikalia region in eastern Russia is alight, with forest fires consuming some 634 000 hectares. Local media report 31 separate fire outbreaks, prompting a deployment of around 1 700 firefighters, a sizeable fleet of specialist equipment and aerial support. Despite relentless efforts, the blazes continue to spread across hundreds of kilometres.
Footage shared by residents on Telegram shows flames advancing to the Chita Khabarovsk highway, placing both thoroughfare and nearby settlements in peril. In response, regional authorities have declared a state of emergency to mobilise additional resources and warn residents to stay vigilant.
At the same time, the Russian dictator persists in painting a rosy picture of Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine. In late March he asserted in a New York Times article that Russian forces held the upper hand across the front line and were poised to finish off the Ukrainian armed forces. Behind closed doors, tough Kremlin demands have stalled peace talks, with demands ranging from the disarmament of Kyiv to ceding control of four regions that Russia has yet to capture.
Washington’s attempts to broker talks under the Trump administration have faltered as inflated Kremlin demands bear no relation to realities on the battlefield. Independent analysts estimate that since February 2024, Russia has occupied only some 4 700 sq km of Ukrainian territory—under 1 per cent of the country—while suffering roughly 400 000 casualties.
Experts argue that drone warfare could be decisive. Ukraine, supported by Germany and other allies, has already made significant strides in drone production. With sufficient political will, Europe could mass produce the advanced unmanned systems needed to tip the balance.
