Istanbul
30-year-old Russian athlete Mykola Svechnikov disappeared during the 37th Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race in Istanbul. His search is ongoing, involving a helicopter and reviewing CCTV footage.
Three Ukrainian veterans, despite their injuries, swam across the Bosphorus Strait in Turkey, covering 6. 5 km. The swim aimed to draw attention to the victims of the war and raise funds for prosthetics.
Ukraine conducted its 68th prisoner exchange on Independence Day. Military personnel and civilians returned, including journalists and the former mayor of Kherson.
Ukraine successfully consolidates European partners and prevents capitulation at negotiations in Istanbul. The country has achieved significant successes in the development and testing of new models of missile weapons and drones.
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.
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.
The Kremlin continues to evade a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky, as proposed by Trump. Moscow stated its readiness for negotiations in the "Istanbul format," which "differs from a meeting of heads of state."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a conversation with Putin, called on Russia to support international efforts for a lasting peace in Ukraine. Ankara advocates for a just and comprehensive peace with the participation of all parties to the conflict.
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.
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.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that the NATO summit will be held on July 7 and 8, 2026, in Ankara. Turkey will host the Alliance's summit for the second time.
French President Emmanuel Macron proposes Geneva as a neutral country for a Ukraine-Russia summit. He emphasizes the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine and warns against a hasty peace.
Turkish President Erdogan stated that the meeting of the US and Russian leaders gave new impetus to ending the war in Ukraine. Turkey is ready to facilitate the establishment of peace.
Political scientist Oleh Lisnyi believes that the meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska will not be a turning point, but only the beginning of a process. He proposes a trilateral or quadrilateral negotiation format with the participation of Ukraine and Europe.
President Zelenskyy and Erdogan discussed bilateral relations and regional issues. The Turkish leader expressed readiness to host a summit and proposed creating working groups.
The exchange of prisoners of war following the second round of negotiations in Istanbul is not yet complete. Russia has not returned seriously ill, seriously wounded, and young Ukrainian defenders.
On August 10, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6. 1 occurred in the Turkish province of Balıkesir. Buildings were damaged, and aftershocks continue in the region.
An international coalition, led by Canada and Ukraine, called on Russia to unconditionally return abducted Ukrainian children. 38 countries, the Council of Europe, and the EU signed a joint statement, emphasizing the violation of international law.
Peskov stated that the preparatory work for the meeting between Putin and Zelensky has not yet been completed. Putin considers the meeting possible after all issues are resolved at the expert level.
President Zelenskyy discussed with Umerov and Yermak the negotiation track, including the exchange of 1200 prisoners. The preparation of the energy sector for the heating season and the development of air defense were also discussed.
ISW analysts claim that the Kremlin is not interested in a compromise that does not mean Ukraine's capitulation. Lavrov's statements from August 1 are consistent with the positions of Putin and Lukashenka, confirming Moscow's unchanged demands.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu. They discussed a ceasefire, the release of captured OSCE staff, and the reform of the organization.
Investigations into the activities of the Istanbul Municipality continue in Turkey, with 25 people detained on charges of tender fraud. Dozens of people were detained during operations conducted in Istanbul, Antalya, Çanakkale, Trabzon, Bursa, and Giresun.
President Zelenskyy held a meeting with the team involved in the release of prisoners, including the liberated defenders of Mariupol and paramedic Taira. In total, since the beginning of the full-scale war, 5,857 people have been returned, with another 555 outside of exchanges.
The Center for Countering Disinformation predicts an intensification of Russian propaganda regarding rallies in Ukraine and information operations in frontline regions. False reports about evacuation and discrediting of Ukraine are expected.
According to a Deutsche Bank report, rent for a three-bedroom apartment in European city centers continues to rise, with only five cities having an average cost below 2,000 euros. London is the most expensive city with a rent of 5,088 euros, while Athens is the cheapest at 1,080 euros.
Donald Trump suggests the possibility of a trilateral meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vladimir Putin, and himself. The US President believes that such a meeting should have taken place earlier.
President Zelenskyy stated that ending the war in Ukraine begins with a meeting of leaders, and the Russian side has also started discussing this issue. Moscow's position is influenced by operations on its territory, not just negotiations.
The third round of negotiations in Istanbul yielded no results, Russia continues its offensive. Experts note that Trump's warnings did not affect Moscow's position, which is not interested in an agreement on someone else's terms.
Donetsk "Shakhtar" defeated Turkish "Beşiktaş" with a score of 4:2 in the first match of the second round of the Europa League football qualification. Brazilian midfielder Alisson scored a goal and two assists, while Kevin scored a brace.