Sat Aug 23 10:56:55 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text, with a focus on the key developments and the Indian perspective where relevant (although the source text doesn’t provide much direct Indian context, I’ll add a touch of it):

**Headline: Russian Forces Claim Gains in Eastern Ukraine as Peace Talks Stall; Trump Weighs Options**

**New Delhi, August 23, 2025 (The Hindu) –** Russian forces have announced the capture of two more villages, Sredneye and Kleban-Byk, in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, continuing a slow but persistent advance in the contested territory. The claim, reported by Moscow’s defense ministry, comes as hopes fade for a negotiated settlement to the conflict, despite ongoing international efforts.

The reported capture of Kleban-Byk is strategically significant, potentially bringing Russian forces closer to Kostiantynivka, a key Ukrainian stronghold on the route to Kramatorsk, a vital logistics hub for the Ukrainian military.

These advances follow Russia’s announcement on Friday that it had seized three other villages in the Donetsk region, a region Russia claims to have annexed in 2022, a move widely condemned by the international community, including India which has repeatedly called for de-escalation and dialogue.

Diplomatic efforts to broker a peace deal appear to be faltering. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Friday that “no meeting” was planned between Russian President and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, seemingly dashing hopes for a summit championed by US President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy, in turn, accused Russia of prolonging its offensive.

Trump himself hinted at a potential shift in US strategy, telling reporters he would make an “important” decision on Ukraine peace efforts within two weeks. He suggested Moscow could face severe sanctions but also raised the possibility of “doing nothing,” leaving the future direction of U.S. policy uncertain.

The continued conflict in Ukraine is of growing concern to India, which has substantial economic and strategic interests in the region. New Delhi has urged for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, emphasizing the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity while also pursuing its own bilateral relationships with both Russia and Ukraine. The potential for increased sanctions and further instability could have significant ramifications for global energy markets and supply chains, impacting India’s economy.

*This report incorporates information from Reuters and other international news sources.*

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