Vladimir Putin
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Russia attacks European infrastructure daily and tries to destabilize democracy. He agreed with Macron, who called Putin a “cannibal” and a “predator” who “does not want peace.”
Putin announced his intention to discuss the intensification of economic cooperation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The meeting will take place in China at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that the United States provides Ukraine with weapons that allow striking more distant targets on Russian territory. He also noted that American weapons are not paid for by US taxpayers, and the US is negotiating with Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Putin's refusal to meet with Zelenskyy by September 1 would indicate a deception of Trump. Macron threatened sanctions if the meeting does not take place.
The State Emergency Service has completed the elimination of the consequences of the night shelling of Kyiv on August 28. In the Darnytskyi district, a five-story building was destroyed, 22 residents were killed, including four children. In total, 25 people were killed across the city.
The number of Berlin schools teaching Russian has increased to 60 in the 2024/25 academic year, while the number of Russian language teachers has decreased. The Senate Administration did not provide information on the impact of Russian aggression on language teaching.
The President believes diplomacy is a faster path to peace than war. Ukraine will not be able to fully restore its territories by military means, so the diplomatic path will reduce losses.
Zelenskyy met with the President of the European Council, António Costa, reporting 25 dead, including four children, as a result of the Russian strike on Kyiv. Security guarantees, Ukraine's EU membership, drone financing, and the 19th EU sanctions package were discussed.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the leader of the Dutch parties, Frans Timmermans. Defense support, diplomacy, security guarantees, and Ukraine's future in the EU were discussed.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz predicts a protracted war in Ukraine. He doubts Putin's readiness for peace talks and a bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy.
President Zelenskyy stated that a strong desire from the USA is needed for negotiations with Putin. He also emphasized the necessity of strengthening sanctions against Russia, particularly regarding the "shadow fleet" and energy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on the EU to realize the urgency of resisting Russia. She emphasized the need to strengthen readiness to repel a potential Russian invasion.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Kremlin will do everything to prevent a meeting with Putin from taking place. Russia may propose a new level of negotiations to delay the leaders' meeting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will remind Donald Trump of the deadline he gave to Russia. The two weeks mentioned by Trump expire on Monday.
The head of state stated that the war between Russia and Ukraine will inevitably end. He emphasized that Putin is an aggressor who must end the conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia might offer a new level of negotiations to postpone the leaders' meeting. This is being done to delay potential sanctions from the USA.
The fire near Gelendzhik, which broke out after a drone attack, covered more than 40 hectares of forest. The fire threatens a winery associated with the Russian dictator.
Petro Poroshenko stated the need to recognize the UOC-MP as a structure of the Russian Orthodox Church, which contradicts his long-standing cooperation with the Moscow Patriarchate. Expert Petro Oleschuk believes that the politician used the church for career advancement.
The Kremlin commented on the assumption regarding a meeting between Putin and Zelensky. Peskov stated that a meeting is possible, but allegedly requires preparation at an expert level.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting China for the first time in seven years, meeting with Xi Jinping and Putin. This visit is a signal to the US amid deteriorating relations over tariffs.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will visit Tianjin on August 31 to participate in the SCO summit. Political scientist Taras Zahorodnii explained the leaders' goals and China's role in this event.
Oil prices fell on Friday due to expectations of lower demand in the US. However, weekly gains persist amid uncertainty regarding Russian supplies.
August 29 marks the 11th anniversary of the Ilovaisk tragedy, when Ukrainian military personnel were encircled. Despite agreements on a "green corridor," Russian troops treacherously opened fire on Ukrainian convoys.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that there have been noticeable changes in Russia's position regarding the war in Ukraine. Russia no longer insists on controlling the entire territory of four Ukrainian regions, but seeks to hold the front line in Zaporizhzhia and consolidate 25-30% of Donetsk region.
Steve Witkoff, special representative of the US President, after his visit to Moscow, misinformed Americans and Ukrainians regarding Putin's proposals. This caused confusion due to Witkoff's lack of diplomatic experience.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stated that Donald Trump is a Soviet or Russian agent. He claims that Trump's foreign policy is strategically beneficial to the Russian Federation.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes that a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin is impossible after the massive shelling of Kyiv. He condemned the Russian strikes on civilians, pointing to the growing brutality of the regime.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia's night attack on Kyiv is an attack on everyone who seeks peace, including Ukraine, the US, and Europe. He emphasized the need to strengthen sanctions, tariffs, and support for Ukraine to counter the aggression.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte strongly condemned Russia's overnight airstrikes on Kyiv, calling them a horrific attack on civilian targets. He emphasized that Russia will not achieve its goal, as support for Ukraine will continue.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine calls on partners to provide long-range weapons and air defense after a massive shelling by the Russian Federation. Russia ignores peaceful initiatives and damaged the building of the EU Representation.