International powers consider imposing economic restrictions to undermine Russia's military capabilities in the midst of ongoing conflict

In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, several significant events have transpired over the past few months.

On a tragic note, the main government building in Kiev was hit for the first time since the invasion began, resulting in the loss of life. A young mother and her two-month-old baby, along with another individual, were found in the rubble of a building in Ukraine. Seven competition horses also lost their lives at an equestrian center.

The attacks, which overwhelmed Ukrainian air defenses including in Kiev, included the use of 810 attack and decoy drones and 13 ballistic missiles, according to Russian reports. The power plant in Kiev was also hit during these attacks.

In response to these escalating tensions, the European Union and the United States are developing a joint plan to weaken Vladimir Putin's war machine. The EU's envoy for sanctions recently traveled to Washington to discuss the details of this plan.

In an interview with a US channel ABC, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for tougher sanctions against Russia, stating that more pressure needs to be put on the Russian leader. This appeal was made in September 2023, during the war, and international responses, including sanction developments, have been ongoing since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022.

Interestingly, Trump, the former US President, has previously threatened Putin but let deadlines pass without consequences for Moscow. However, more recently, Trump admitted to moving forward with more sanctions against Russia. The Kremlin, however, stated on Monday that no sanctions will ever be able to force Russia to change course regarding Ukraine.

These developments underscore the complex and evolving nature of the conflict in Ukraine, with both sides continuing to engage in hostilities and the international community seeking ways to bring an end to the violence and protect civilian lives.