EU High Representative Kaja Kallas believes that Russia should not have a say in security guarantees for Ukraine. She called for increased tariffs and sanctions against Russia, as Putin is "playing games."
European natural gas prices are rising as optimism for an end to Russia's war against Ukraine wanes. This is happening amid the difficulty of reaching a peace agreement and preparations for the upcoming heating season.
China accused the US of "threatening world peace" ahead of the SCO summit, to which Washington was not invited. Putin, Modi, and Erdogan are expected at the meeting.
According to Andriy Kovalenko, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is only influenced by actions that accelerate the collapse of the Russian economy. Putin seeks to drag out time, believing in a scenario of Ukraine's fall similar to that of South Vietnam.
Russian courts impose fines or arrests for administrative cases of "disrespect" for the authorities. Since 2019, almost 400 Russians and residents of Crimea have been prosecuted under this law.
The Kremlin insists on the 2022 Istanbul framework agreement as the sole basis for peace negotiations. This would allow Russia to veto Western aid to Ukraine and leave it defenseless.
Information about school diaries featuring Volodymyr Zelenskyy, copying Putin's images, is fake. The Center for Strategic Communications refutes the existence of such diaries in Ukraine.
Former Congressman Matt Gaetz proposed granting Russia NATO membership as a way to end the war in Ukraine. He refers to previous discussions of this idea within the American political establishment.
The United States will send singer Brandon Howard, known as B. Howard, to the Russian "Intervision" contest in September. The contest, revived by Putin, is positioned as a Soviet alternative to "Eurovision."
US President Donald Trump suggests Ukraine should go on the offensive, which is a notable change in rhetoric. This comes amid a pause in peace talks.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement about potential security guarantors for Ukraine derailed Moscow's talks with Washington. The Kremlin may try to lower the level of the bilateral meeting.
Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine, using about 600 drones and 40 missiles, including targeting an American factory. Experts view this as the Kremlin's demonstration of disagreement with peace initiatives and humiliation of the US.
EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius expressed doubts about Putin's influence after Lavrov denied his agreements with Trump. Kubilius questions who makes decisions in the Kremlin.
American Senator Lindsey Graham threatens to recognize Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. This will happen if the Kremlin does not return 19,000 Ukrainian children taken during the war.
Russia offered to become a security guarantor for Ukraine, but the White House ridiculed the idea. The Trump administration secretly mocked Foreign Minister Lavrov's proposal.
As a result of the Russian attack on Mukachevo, 23 people were injured, six of them hospitalized. The enterprise that was hit is strategic for Zakarpattia.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia is sending indecent signals regarding the end of the war, continuing massive attacks. Moscow is trying to avoid a meeting at the leaders' level.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin demands that Ukraine withdraw troops from Donbas and refuse to join NATO. In return, Moscow is ready to stop the war along the current front line in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a conversation with Emmanuel Macron, stated Ankara's readiness to join initiatives for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. The leaders also discussed the escalation in the Middle East, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Sergei Lavrov criticizes Trump's peace initiatives, accusing the West of undermining "progress" with Putin. This comes amid Russia's largest air attack on Ukraine in a month.
Donald Trump will not directly participate in the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The US President will meet with them after their future probable negotiations.
Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak stated that Ukraine will not agree to territorial concessions. Kyiv demands automatic security mechanisms, not just declarations from allies.
The Kremlin has significantly intensified hybrid attacks on the critical infrastructure of European countries. The number of incidents has quadrupled in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting is possible provided that the issues requiring consideration at the highest level are well-developed.
Czech President Petr Pavel considers temporary territorial concessions in Ukraine a "lesser evil" for achieving peace. He emphasized that this does not legitimize the occupation, but is a recognition of the reality on the battlefield.
The Head of the President's Office stated that Putin's words about peace are worthless without real actions. Ukraine trusts only guarantees from the USA, European countries, and the "Coalition of the Willing".
A high-ranking Pentagon official informed allies about the minimal role of the US in Ukraine's security guarantees. European countries are concerned and demand the deployment of American fighter jets in Romania.
Ukraine insists on a ceasefire before negotiations with Russia, considering it necessary for a real peace process. President Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of bilateral agreements and US participation to end the conflict.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia's economy is degrading, and its problems will become noticeable within a year, and critical within two. This will force the Kremlin to seek options for ending the war.
President Zelenskyy confirmed consultations with the US and Europe regarding a meeting with the Russian Federation. Kyiv insists on neutral European territory, rejecting Moscow and Budapest.
