The Kremlin said contacts between the U.S. and Russia had taken place, the first time Moscow has hinted the two countries are discussing a potential plan to end fighting in Ukraine.

The Russian leadership is exchanging men—many of them previous casualties discharged prematurely from military hospitals—for land.

Ukraine has become a war lab for the future since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. As a result, Ukraine is at the forefront of military technology, leveraging robotics and automation to redefine modern warfare and serve as a testing ground for future combat technologies.

Russian intelligence claimed the West is unhappy with Ukrainian President Zelensky, viewing him as a barrier to peace talks with Moscow. They allege that NATO may consider removing Zelensky from power and could campaign to discredit him ahead of Ukraine’s upcoming elections.