Vladimir Putin
First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Serhiy Kyslytsia stated that there are no signs of Putin's readiness for negotiations. Russia is manipulating the US, while Zelenskyy is ready to discuss territorial issues, starting from the line of contact.
The Kremlin considers a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy unlikely, fearing reputational consequences. Russian officials refuse the meeting, balancing between the domestic audience and sanctions.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is doing everything to end the war, which, according to him, began in 2014 "against the population of Donbas. " He also noted that "Russia has no unfriendly countries, there are unfriendly elites" and expressed hope for the restoration of relations with the United States with Trump's arrival.
Oleksandr Lukashenka stated that he would not release political prisoners, despite his promise to Donald Trump. He refers to public opinion and the lack of support for the release of "bandits."
US President Donald Trump expressed a desire to keep the World Cup trophy, which FIFA head Gianni Infantino brought to the White House. Infantino also presented Trump with the first ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Donald Trump said he could invite Vladimir Putin to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the US. The decision depends on the development of events and future relations.
US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the Russian attack on the Flex plant in Mukachevo. As a result of the August 21 attack, 23 people were injured.
Donald Trump expressed his desire to meet with Putin and Zelenskyy. He noted that many consider such a meeting to be fruitless.
Two young men, aged 21 and 22, have been returned from temporarily occupied Crimea thanks to the initiative of the President of Ukraine "Bring Kids Back UA". The young people grew up under occupation and experienced constant pressure.
A senior Trump administration official said that to end the war, Ukraine would likely have to accept a peace deal largely shaped on Moscow's terms. Trump also criticized Joe Biden's approach to the war in Ukraine.
Pro-government Russian political scientist Sergei Markov was recognized as a "foreign agent". The likely reason is his statement about Russia's responsibility for shooting down an Azerbaijani plane on December 25, 2024.
The Ukrainian defense company "Fire Point" has developed the FP-5 "Flamingo" cruise missile, capable of carrying a 1150 kg warhead and flying 3000 km. The missile is already in serial production, with plans to produce about 200 units per month.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the Kremlin's demands are a trap that will reward the aggressor. She emphasized that concessions to Russia will not lead to peace, but will only strengthen its impunity.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia is trying to disrupt diplomatic meetings regarding ending the war. He emphasized that Ukraine is open to productive negotiations, and if Russia refuses diplomacy, powerful sanctions are necessary.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that the US will participate in providing security guarantees to Ukraine. The guarantees will consist of two levels, one of which involves strengthening the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the other – support from the US and Europe.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated Putin's readiness to meet with Zelenskyy "with a detailed agenda. " Lavrov expressed doubt about Zelenskyy's legitimacy as President of Ukraine.
Migrants from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan in Russia face discrimination, violence, and forced conscription into the Russian army. After the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, pressure on foreigners increased, despite the labor shortage in the country.
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.