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.
Keith Kellogg, Special Representative of US President Donald Trump, will arrive in Ukraine on August 23. He will participate in a prayer breakfast and Independence Day ceremonies, and will also discuss diplomatic issues.
Donald Trump expressed his desire to meet with Putin and Zelenskyy. He noted that many consider such a meeting to be fruitless.
Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak announced that the first drafts of security guarantees for Ukraine will be ready next week. These guarantees include strengthening the Armed Forces of Ukraine, developing the military-industrial complex, and a clear action plan in case of aggression, similar to NATO's Article 5.
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.
Bill No. 13685, registered in the Verkhovna Rada, proposes to allow men who have not reached conscription age to travel abroad. The document also enshrines the state's right to restrict the departure of conscripts and those liable for military service.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated its objective position on the "Ukrainian crisis", its readiness to promote a political settlement, and the "constructive role" of the PRC in the overall direction of resolving the issue of the war waged by Russia in Ukraine.
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.
The President of Ukraine stated his readiness for a bilateral meeting with Russia, but prefers to hold a trilateral meeting with the participation of US President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine will not put forward conditions that could become an obstacle to peace.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Poland must react to the fall of a Russian drone on its territory. The object that fell near Osinów was a Russian drone, likely having flown from Belarus.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia does not want to end the war, putting forward ultimatums. This is being done so that US President Donald Trump does not impose sanctions on the Russian Federation.
TikTok deleted the account of former MP Artem Dmytruk, who is on the international wanted list. Materials duplicating Russian propaganda were disseminated through this channel.
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.
President Zelenskyy outlined the requirements for Ukraine's future security architecture, which include NATO Article 5-like guarantees and systemic army funding. He also emphasized the importance of partners investing in the production of Ukrainian drones.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban appealed to Donald Trump for help regarding the shelling of the "Druzhba" oil pipeline by Ukrainians. Trump responded that he was "very angry" and advised Orban to talk to Slovakia.
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.
President Zelenskyy received NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss joint steps regarding the security of Ukraine and Europe. The meeting focused on diplomacy, security guarantees, and weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including the PURL program.
The President of Ukraine signed a law guaranteeing military personnel 15 days of annual leave and returning 14 days of additional leave to combatants. Educational leave for contract soldiers of the "18-24" program has also been introduced.
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."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told European counterparts that the US would participate in Ukraine's post-war security guarantees, but the Trump administration believes Europe should take the lead. The US is ready to play a limited role, potentially including the participation of American pilots in air support missions.
Yulia Svyrydenko registered a bill to strengthen responsibility for illegal border crossing. The document provides for clarification of administrative and criminal liability, as well as strengthening punishment for intermediaries.
The Office of the President of Ukraine is reforming its staff, increasing the percentage of military personnel and veterans among employees of all departments. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported the proposal of the Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak.
In total, 109 Ukrainians have been repatriated from the Dariali checkpoint. The humanitarian crisis arose due to Russia's actions, which deported Ukrainians to the border with Georgia.
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.
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.
