Vladimir Putin
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow would not agree to resolve issues of collective security without its participation. He called dialogue without Russia "a utopia and a path to nowhere."
National security advisers are preparing a draft framework of security guarantees for Ukraine. This could pave the way for a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin.
Russia expects to retain India as a stable oil client, offering discounts of about 5% off the market price. The US is increasing pressure on India over its purchases of Russian oil, imposing duties and accusing it of supporting "Putin's war."
The Ministry of Defence of Great Britain reports that in over 500 schools and 30 colleges in Russia, children are being taught the operation and technical basics of unmanned aerial vehicles. This initiative is part of Russia's plan to train one million UAV specialists by 2030.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin. The parties discussed the Russia-US summit in Alaska and noted Turkey's assistance in negotiations between the Russian Federation and Ukraine in Istanbul.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticizes the idea of a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin in Budapest. He recalled that in 1994, Ukraine had already received guarantees of territorial integrity in Budapest, which were violated by Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin could meet by the end of the month. Five possible locations are being considered, with Geneva deemed the best.
China will hold a large-scale military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The latest types of weapons will be presented, including hypersonic systems and high-precision missiles.
US and European military planners are studying security guarantees for Ukraine after the war. The deployment of European troops under US command and possible air support from Washington are being considered.
A number of countries, including Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary, have expressed readiness to organize a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia. The White House is considering Budapest as the main venue for trilateral negotiations.
The White House is planning a possible trilateral meeting of the US, Russian, and Ukrainian presidents in Budapest. The US Secret Service is preparing for the summit, although the final location may change.
US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff spoke about the concessions made by Russian officials at the meeting with Trump in Alaska. The negotiations focused on a long-term peace agreement, not a temporary ceasefire.
European leaders are skeptical of Donald Trump's peace initiatives, but do not reject them, viewing them as a tool to demonstrate the Kremlin's true intentions. They plan to support American peace efforts so that Trump himself can be convinced of Moscow's unwillingness to make concessions.
Global oil prices remained largely unchanged, as investors monitor peace talks surrounding Ukraine, which could impact the energy market. Brent and WTI futures saw slight gains, while the market remains uncertain due to the unlikelihood of a swift resolution to the conflict.
US President Donald Trump refused Putin's proposed meeting in Moscow. This happened amid discussions of possible meetings between Putin and Zelenskyy.
European leaders are likely to impose sanctions against Russia if Putin refuses a trilateral meeting with Zelenskyy and Trump. Zelenskyy called for sanctions if Putin refuses the summit.
Donald Trump believes that Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin should meet without him. He wants to observe the outcome of their meeting before joining the negotiations.
On August 19, Russian troops lost 920 soldiers and 50 artillery systems. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 20.08.25 amount to over one million personnel.
Senator Richard Blumenthal stated that the policy of appeasement will not bring Donald Trump closer to the Nobel Peace Prize. He believes that this will only give Putin more time and resources.
The Kremlin's propaganda project "Conversations about important things" is being extended to kindergartens starting September 1. The lessons justify the "SMO" and glorify Russian military personnel.
Belarus is ready to mediate a meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Press Secretary of the President of Belarus Natalia Eismont stated that Minsk is ready to organize a meeting at the highest level.
Donald Trump postponed his vacation due to preparations for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Switzerland promises security to the Russian dictator for the meeting.
European officials are discussing a plan to send British and French troops to Ukraine as part of a peace agreement. About ten countries are ready to join this initiative.
Most Ukrainian refugees in Poland are unlikely to return home even after a ceasefire, as they are well integrated into the Polish labor market. This contributes to Poland's economic growth, with GDP growth projected at 3% in 2025-2026.
US President Donald Trump called Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to find out why he is blocking Ukraine's EU accession talks. European leaders asked Trump to use his influence on Orban.
Austria has offered Vienna as a venue for possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer stated his readiness to ensure Putin's participation, despite the ICC warrant.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said that for the war to end, both sides must make concessions. President Zelenskyy and Russian dictator Putin are ready for negotiations.
The visit of the European delegation to Washington and Trump's negotiations with Zelensky impressed and surprised, but did not change the situation - the war of the Russian Federation in Ukraine continues. Putin insists on his terms - currently the Kremlin is not interested in a truce and continues to launch airstrikes.
The presidents of Ukraine and the Russian Federation expressed readiness for negotiations with Donald Trump. The White House confirmed preparations for this meeting.
In a phone conversation, Donald Trump emphasized to Russian President Putin the necessity of a direct meeting with Zelensky. This meeting, by agreement, is to take place by the end of August. Trump believes that the Kremlin leader should be a "realist"