What does diplomatic deadlock mean for Donbas?

As Russia continues to pour cold water on the prospect of an imminent summit between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, efforts to end the war in Ukraine appear to have returned to a familiar holding pattern. Despite the fanfare surrounding key summits in Alaska and Washington, significant divisions remain on key issues from territorial concessions to security guarantees. So, with Trump once again restarting the clock on the deadline for Russian cooperation, what sort of progress can we expect in the coming weeks?

Today, we’re joined from Ukraine’s Donbas region by our correspondent Quentin Sommerville, to discuss how the lives of those on the front line are being materially affected by diplomatic deadlock. And, former senior US intelligence officer Andrea Kendall-Taylor gives her view on what it would take for headway to be made in peace negotiations.

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This episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Polly Hope. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480

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