A peace deal is in the "best interest" of Ukraine, Russia and the U.S, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday.

The escalation in aerial attacks comes as Russia begins a summer push on the 620-mile front line in the country’s east.

A Russian attack overnight damaged Saint Sophia Cathedral in the historic centre of Kyiv, one of Ukraine's most significant monuments and a designated world heritage site, the Ukrainian culture minister said on Tuesday.

Moscow has stepped up drone and missile attacks despite U.S. pressure to work toward a cease-fire. The strikes have intensified after Ukrainian drones hit Russian air bases.

Ukraine sent dozens of its own citizens to Russia last month, releasing them from prisons in an attempt to secure the release of dozens of Ukrainian civilians held illegally in Russian jails – a move

Kamyshin made the remarks at the GLOBSEC conference in Prague. “We are in the largest war for a generation, and no country can singlehandedly withstand Russian aggression,” RFE/RL quoted the official.

"Even if you're on the ground, it's very difficult for you to count casualties," said Marina Miron, a postdoctoral researcher at King's College London.

Photos shared with the Kyiv Independent show the newly installed blue-and-yellow street sign, reflecting both the correct Ukrainian transliteration and the national colors of Ukraine.