Russian President Vladimir Putin has consented to bilateral talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. The face-to-face meeting between the two rivals is scheduled for August at an undetermined location and will be followed by a trilateral session involving former US President Donald Trump.
“Preparations are underway,” Trump stated regarding the summit between the two leaders. Zelensky acknowledged this historic encounter will address the territorial issue, a topic notably absent from the lengthy day of meetings at the White House despite Trump’s weeks-long references to territorial exchanges.
Discussions focused heavily on security guarantees, an area where intense negotiations will continue. “We discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, guarantees to be provided by various European countries, coordinated with the United States,” Trump explained without elaborating. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, in an interview with Fox, highlighted, “We are evaluating NATO Article 5-style guarantees,” clarifying that potential deployment of US troops was not discussed. “We will work in the coming days, we need to discuss more details,” Rutte added. Zelensky announced, “Western nations will formalize security guarantees for Ukraine within 10 days,” signaling ongoing intense talks.
European leaders, including Zelensky, described the White House meeting with Trump as positive and constructive. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz characterized the talks as “intense,” stressing that territorial concessions cannot be imposed on Kyiv. Merz nonetheless expressed appreciation for the US commitment to providing security guarantees. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking of “progress,” remained cautious: “I doubt Putin wants peace,” he said, calling for “increased sanctions” against Russia should negotiations fail. Finnish President Alexander Stubb observed that the Kremlin leader “is not reliable,” adding that Trump’s phone call to Putin during the White House talks was a good idea. “It remains to be seen,” Stubb noted, “if he [Putin] will have the courage for such a meeting.”
Following the White House meetings, President Zelensky wrote on Telegram: “Important talks took place in Washington…. an important step was taken, a demonstration of true unity between Europe and the United States.” He reiterated that “security guarantees” are “a fundamental issue, as a starting point for ending the war.” “Leaders came in person to support Ukraine and discuss everything that will bring us closer to real peace, to a reliable security architecture that will protect Ukraine and all of Europe,” Zelensky commented. “We continue to work, coordinating our actions with all allies who wish to end the war with dignity. Thanks to all who are helping us.”
Kyiv authorities report that Russia launched a wave of missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities overnight, mere hours after peace talks concluded between Zelensky and Trump at the White House. Explosions were reported in the central-eastern city of Kremenchuk, Poltava region; local media indicate an energy infrastructure site was the target. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that cities near the front line, including Kharkiv and Poltava, are also under missile threat. Air raid alerts were issued for several Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv.
Moscow claims its air defenses shot down 23 Ukrainian drones overnight over Russia’s Volgograd and Rostov regions, and Crimea, according to the Tass news agency citing the Russian Defense Ministry.
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