Ukraine-Russia War News. WSJ: EU and Kiev Present Counterproposal for Truce
The summit between Russian President Putin and US President Trump will be held on August 15 in Alaska . Trump himself announced the news. Rome was among the options that were ruled out : Meloni had given the green light , but the Kremlin rejected it, excluding all European countries. "I believe Putin wants peace; the war could be resolved soon," says the White House chief. Initial leaks have emerged regarding a ceasefire plan. Moscow wants at least all of Donbas (Donetsk and Lugansk), as well as recognition of Crimea. The US is working to secure Kiev's and the Europeans' approval: a meeting will take place before mid-August. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is holding back: "Don't cede the occupied lands. Any decision without Kiev will lead to nothing."
WSJ: Confusion over Putin's plan for Ukraine, Europeans demand clarification
European countries on Friday asked envoy Steve Witkoff for clarification on Vladimir Putin's proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine after widespread confusion about what the leader had actually offered the Kremlin. According to reports from the Wall Street Journal , Donald Trump, shortly after Witkoff and Putin met, told European leaders that Russia would be willing to withdraw from the area south of Zaporizhia and Kherson in exchange for full control of Donetsk. In a subsequent phone call with the Europeans, however, Witkoff suggested that Russia would withdraw and freeze the front line. European officials requested a third call with Witkoff on Friday to clarify what Putin had actually proposed, and on that occasion, Trump's envoy said that the only offer on the table was Ukraine's unilateral withdrawal from Donetsk in exchange for a ceasefire. Once Putin's plan became clear, it was immediately rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European officials. "The proposal is much worse than what Trump said during the call," a European official told the Wall Street Journal. "It's about giving Putin what he wants for nothing," added another.
EU proposal: first a truce, then a mutual land swap
The European goal is to draw a common red line with Ukraine, which, according to European officials, must be applied to any potential negotiations with Russia. The European proposal includes a call for a ceasefire before taking any further action . It also states that the exchange of territories can only occur reciprocally, meaning that if Ukraine withdraws from some regions, Russia must withdraw from others. "You can't start a process by giving up territory in the midst of fighting," said one European negotiator. Crucially, the European plan, presented to Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump's envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg, and Witkoff, also stipulates that any territorial concessions by Kiev must be backed by ironclad security guarantees, including Ukraine's potential NATO membership.
WSJ: EU and Kiev present counterproposal on Ukraine
European countries and Ukraine have responded to Vladimir Putin's truce plan with a counterproposal that, in their view, should serve as a framework. The Wall Street Journal reports that Europeans and Ukrainians have rejected Russia's proposal to exchange some Ukrainian-controlled regions of Donetsk for a ceasefire. The counterproposal was put forward during the meeting in the United Kingdom and includes a request for a ceasefire before any further action is taken, as well as requiring any exchange of territory to be reciprocal. The counterproposal, according to EU leaders, should serve as a framework for the upcoming talks between President Trump and the Russian leader to gain momentum.
Zelensky: There is no change in Russia's position
Ukraine sees "no change in Russia's position" in the negotiations for a possible ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this on Telegram , emphasizing that despite "the intense diplomatic activity of recent days," the Russians "continue to invest in the war and impose the idea of 'exchanging' Ukrainian territory for Ukrainian territory, with consequences that guarantee nothing but more convenient positions for them in view of the resumption of the war." Zelensky emphasized that all steps should bring the war closer to an end, not its reconfiguration, and that joint decisions with partners should contribute to common security.
Media, US informed Europeans and Kiev of Putin's plan
American officials have briefed European and Ukrainian leaders on the plan offered to Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the war in exchange for significant territorial concessions from Kiev. Western sources, cited by CNN , reported that the plan presented last Wednesday by Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, to the Kremlin calls for Kiev to cede Donbas and Crimea, while freezing the current front lines.
Macron: "Ukraine's future will be decided by Kiev and the EU."
"Ukraine's future cannot be decided without the Ukrainians who have been fighting for their freedom and security for over three years. Europeans will also necessarily be part of the solution, because their security depends on it," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote in X, after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky , German Chancellor Friedrich Merz , and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer . "We remain committed to supporting Ukraine, working in a spirit of unity and continuing the work done within the Coalition of the Willing," he added.
Zelensky speaks with Sanchez and Stubb: "Ensure that Russia does not impose its unrealistic conditions."
“Now the main thing is to ensure that Russia no longer imposes its unrealistic conditions on anyone,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote in X, reporting that he continued contacts with European leaders, speaking with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
Putin meets with Lula about the Alaska summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone with his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and discussed his contacts with Washington ahead of the Alaska summit with Donald Trump. "Vladimir Putin briefed his Brazilian counterpart on the main results of the recent meeting with US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The Brazilian president expressed his support for efforts to facilitate the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis," the Kremlin said.
Media, the meeting on Ukraine in the UK was requested by the US
The meeting the UK is hosting today, between senior officials from the United States, the EU, Ukraine, and several European countries, was reportedly organized at the request of the United States and will take place at Chevening, the Foreign Secretary's official residence in Kent, where Vance and his family are currently staying. British media reported this, citing government sources in London.
Bild: Witkoff misunderstood Putin's words
Following his special envoy Steve Witkoff's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, US President Donald Trump had floated the possibility of a "territory swap." However, the tycoon may have been misinformed by Witkoff regarding the contents of the August 6 meeting. According to Bild , the envoy misunderstood Putin's words. In particular, Witkoff interpreted certain statements regarding the "peaceful withdrawal" from Kherson and Zaporizhzhia as a Russian concession, when in reality they were a specific request from the Kremlin leader to Ukraine. Bild emphasizes that Moscow continues to maintain its territorial demands: full control of the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea. According to the German newspaper's sources, the Kremlin is only offering a partial ceasefire, halting attacks on energy plants and major cities in the rear, but not a complete truce. "Witkoff doesn't know what he's talking about," a Ukrainian government official told Bild.
Media reports: Moscow takes control of a locality in Donetsk
The Moscow Ministry of Defense announced that Russian forces have seized control of the town of Yablunivka in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine. Russian media reported.
Zelensky speaks with Macron: "We're ready to work with our partners for real peace."
"Ukraine, France, and all our partners are ready to work as productively as possible for a real peace. It is truly important that the Russians no longer deceive anyone. We all need a real end to the war and a solid security foundation for Ukraine and other European countries." This is what Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X, reporting on a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, whom he thanked "for his support" and with whom he specified that he "had an exchange of views on the diplomatic situation."
Zelensky: "Moscow hasn't changed its mind; we need a real end to the war."
"We see no change in Russia's position. The Russians continue to refuse to stop the killings, continue to invest in the war and support the idea of 'exchanging' Ukrainian territory for Ukrainian territory, with consequences that guarantee nothing except more favorable positions for Russia to resume the war." Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky wrote this on X, explaining that he also spoke with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Zelensky meets with Macron, ready to work for a real peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron discussed the "diplomatic situation" surrounding Ukraine by phone ahead of the summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump scheduled for Friday. "We exchanged views on the diplomatic situation," Zelensky said on Telegram, adding that "it's really important that the Russians don't manage to deceive anyone again."
Kiev warns Moscow not to be rewarded for war.
Russia "must not be rewarded for starting this war," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned on X. "Despite the tireless efforts of the United States and Ukraine's continued determination to seek a just peace, Russia continues to terrorize civilians, ignores deadlines, and shows no genuine interest in ending the war," the minister notes. "We need a lasting peace that won't be destroyed by Moscow's next move," Sybiha warns. Her message comes after the announcement of the Trump-Putin summit on August 15. Ukraine has rejected the idea of giving up territory.
Von der Leyen in contact with leaders on summit with Kiev
"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been in contact with EU leaders in preparation for this afternoon's meeting between British, European, Australian, and US officials. She will remain in regular contact with them, including regarding the outcome of the meeting," a spokesperson for the EU executive reported.
Vance and Italy also at the European summit with Kiev
US Vice President JD Vance will be present at the meeting between Europeans and Ukrainians with the US, taking place this afternoon in London (organized ahead of the Trump-Putin summit on August 15). Representatives of Italy (including Ambassador Fabrizio Saggio, diplomatic advisor to Giorgia Meloni), France, Germany, and Poland will reportedly also be attending.
EU: 'Peace only possible with Kiev at the table and sovereign in its decisions'
"The EU continues to support peace negotiations to end Russia's war of aggression, with Ukraine at the table and in which Ukraine can make independent and sovereign decisions, which the EU will support." This was reported to ANSA by a European Commission spokesperson regarding the summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin and possible territorial concessions by Ukraine.
Russian Ambassador: "Rome is missing a historic opportunity due to its Russophobia."
Italy had all the credentials to host the summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. But it missed the chance to achieve this "undoubted, historic diplomatic success" due to the "Russophobia of the ruling class," a "senseless all-out support for Ukraine," and a "total refusal of dialogue," Russian Ambassador to Italy Alexei Paramonov wrote on his Telegram channel.
Yermak: "The Russians are deceiving everyone, pretending they're ready to stop the war."
"So this is how Russia 'wants peace.' An attack on a regular bus in the suburbs of Kherson, where Russia hunts civilians every day," Andriy Yermak, head of the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, wrote in a post on X following reports of two drone strikes that killed at least two people and injured 19. "People killed. For what? The Russians are deceiving everyone, pretending to be ready to stop the war, but in reality they're doing nothing about it," he accuses.
Zelensky to Starmer: Clear measures needed from Europeans
Ahead of the August 15 summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, "clear measures from Europeans are needed," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a speech to British Prime Minister Kier Starmer. Zelensky emphasized the need for "maximum coordination between Kiev and its allies" at this time. A meeting between Europeans and Ukrainians, which will also include the US, is scheduled for this afternoon in London.
Moscow conquers another village in Donetsk
The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed responsibility for the capture of another village in eastern Ukraine: Yablonovka, in the Donetsk region.
Moscow denounces "titanic efforts" to sabotage Alaska summit
Moscow has denounced that "titanic efforts" will be made to disrupt the summit between Russian and US presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, scheduled for August 15 in Alaska. The alarm was raised by Russia's chief negotiator for the resumption of economic relations with the US, Kirill Dmitriev. "Certainly, several countries interested in continuing the conflict will make titanic efforts (provocations and disinformation) to disrupt the scheduled meeting between President Putin and President Trump," Dmitriev wrote on his Telegram channel.
Kiev, 'ready to collaborate with the US and partners for a just peace'
"Ukraine is ready to work with the United States and all our international partners to jointly achieve a just and lasting peace," Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote today in X. "Ukraine remains open to meaningful dialogue and real solutions negotiated together with Ukraine, respecting the will of our people," the head of Kiev's diplomacy emphasized. "We need a lasting peace that will not be destroyed by Moscow's next move." "Ukrainians deserve a just peace based on international law and respect for our territorial integrity and the borders defined by our Constitution," the minister added. "Russia must not be rewarded for starting this war. Despite the tireless efforts of the United States and Ukraine's continued willingness to seek a just peace, Russia continues its terror against civilians, ignores deadlines, and shows no sincere interest in ending the war."
Media reports: Ukraine-EU-US summit in UK ahead of Putin-Trump summit
Senior officials from the United States, Ukraine, and several European countries plan to meet in the United Kingdom this weekend to try to reach common ground ahead of a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, three sources familiar with the plans told Axios. Ukraine and several NATO allies are concerned that Trump might accept Putin's proposals to end the war without considering their positions. The idea of a meeting in the United Kingdom emerged on Friday during a conference call between U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials, the third such call in a matter of hours. The proposed logistics are still being discussed, including the selection of participants. New momentum in the Ukraine talks began earlier this week after White House envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow, just two days before Trump's ultimatum to Putin, which called for a ceasefire or sanctions, expired. Although Trump signed an executive order earlier this week allowing sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil and also announced a planned increase in tariffs on India, he did not announce new sanctions as expected yesterday after his ultimatum to Moscow to agree to a truce expired.
CBS, Zelensky's involvement in Alaska summit possible
A senior White House official told CBS that planning for the August 15 summit in Alaska between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin "is still fluid" and that it's still possible that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "could be involved in some way." The White House had said earlier this week that Trump was open to meeting with both Putin and Zelensky, but yesterday the US president told reporters that he intends to "start with Russia." Trump also said he believes there is "a chance" of holding a trilateral meeting with the Ukrainian and Russian leaders.
Russian drone hits minibus in Kherson, killing 2 and injuring 16
Two people were killed and 16 were injured today after a Russian drone struck a minibus on the outskirts of the Ukrainian city of Kherson, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Two more people were killed in the Zaporizhia region after a Russian drone struck their car, according to governor Ivan Fedorov.
US Ambassador: "Thanks to Berlin for Patriot in Kiev"
"As we advance peace through the strength of NATO, we thank Germany for its commitment to provide Patriot systems, high-quality American equipment, to Ukraine. These defenses will help protect critical infrastructure and save civilian lives," said US Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker in a video posted on X, applauding Berlin's announcement last week of a supply of two Patriot anti-missile batteries to Kiev.
UNICEF Ukraine: One child killed in the first seven days of August
"During the first week of August, one child was reportedly killed and at least 14 injured in Ukraine. Ongoing attacks targeting populated areas are having a devastating effect on children and families. End the attacks. Protect every child." UNICEF Ukraine wrote this in X.
Kiev: "16 out of 47 Russian drones shot down overnight"
Russian forces attacked Ukraine last night with two Iskander-K cruise missiles and 47 drones of various types, including Shahed kamikaze drones, the Kiev Air Force announced on Telegram. The attack drones struck border areas in the Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions, while the missiles targeted the city of Dnipro, according to a press release. Ukrainian air defenses shot down or neutralized with electronic warfare systems one Iskander-K missile and 16 kamikaze and decoy drones in the north and east of the country.
Zelensky: "Any decision without Kiev will lead to nothing."
"Ukrainians are defending what is theirs. Even those who stand with Russia know it is doing harm. Of course, we will not give Russia any recompense for what it has done. The Ukrainian people deserve peace. But all partners must understand what a dignified peace is. This war must end, and Russia must end it. Russia started it and is dragging it out, without meeting any deadline, and that is the problem, nothing else," reads Zelensky's statement published this morning on Telegram. "The answer to the Ukrainian territorial question is already in the Constitution of Ukraine. No one will deviate from it, and no one can. Ukrainians will not give away their land to the occupier. Ukraine is ready to make concrete decisions that can lead to peace. Any decision against us, any decision that excludes Ukraine, is also a decision against peace and will lead to nothing. These are dead decisions, they will never work," the head of state emphasized. "And we all need a real, living peace that people respect. We are ready to work together with President Trump and all our partners for a real and, above all, lasting peace, a peace that will not collapse because of Moscow's wishes." "I thank all our citizens for being united. Ukraine exists. I thank all our soldiers for preserving our independence. Stand firm. This is our land, we are Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine!"
Zelensky: "Ukrainians will not cede their land to the occupiers."
President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that Ukraine cannot violate its own constitution on territorial issues, adding that "Ukrainians will not cede their land to the occupiers." Commenting on US President Donald Trump's decision to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, Zelensky said that Ukraine is ready for concrete solutions that can lead to peace. He added, however, that any solution that does not involve Kiev would be a solution against peace.
Russian missiles hit Dnipro River, three injured
Three people were injured this morning following a Russian missile attack on the Dnipro River in eastern Ukraine, according to the head of the Dnipropetrovsk region administration, Sergiy Lysak, as reported by Ukrainian media. The attack caused damage to civilian infrastructure and started fires. "Three people were injured: a 41-year-old woman and two men, aged 21 and 29," Lysak said, adding that an industrial facility, an unused building, and several cars were damaged.
Moscow: 97 Ukrainian drones shot down overnight
Air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 97 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions overnight, including one over the Moscow region, the Russian Defense Ministry reported, according to TASS.
Moscow: After Alaska, Putin and Trump will meet again in Russia.
"The Kremlin expects the next meeting between Russian and US Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, after Alaska, to take place on Russian soil," Interfax news agency reports. This was stated by the Russian leader's advisor, Yuri Ushakov, commenting on the choice of Alaska as the venue for the Russian-US summit on August 15. "Looking ahead, we should aim for the next meeting between the presidents to be held on Russian soil. The corresponding invitation has already been extended to the US president," the Kremlin spokesman stated. Regarding the choice of Alaska as the site of the first meeting, Ushakov said, "Russia and the United States are neighbors, neighbors. And it seems entirely logical that our delegation would simply cross the Bering Strait and that such an important and eagerly awaited summit of the leaders of the two countries would be held in Alaska."
Alaska governor welcomes Trump-Putin meeting
Alaska is poised to host the US-Russia summit, and Governor Mike Dunleavy is thrilled. "I welcome the meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin here in the great state of Alaska," he wrote on X. "Alaska has always been a bridge between nations, and today we remain a gateway for diplomacy, trade, and security in one of the world's most important regions. The world is watching, and Alaska is ready to host this historic meeting."
The Kremlin confirms Putin-Trump summit in Alaska
The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump will meet in Alaska for talks next Friday, calling the choice of location "quite logical." "Russia and the United States are neighbors, neighbors," said Yuri Ushakov, a Kremlin advisor and aide. "It seems quite logical that our delegation should simply fly across the Bering Strait and that such an important and eagerly awaited summit between the leaders of the two countries should be held in Alaska."
Trump's message: I will meet Putin in Alaska on August 15th
"The long-awaited meeting between me and Russian President Vladimir Putin will take place next Friday in the great state of Alaska," Trump said on his Twitter account. The last time Putin met The first time he met a US leader was in 2021, at a meeting with then-President Joe Biden in Geneva. In 2018, he met with Trump in Helsinki. Trump's proposal to include a "territory swap" as part of a possible peace agreement drew criticism both in Kiev and several European capitals. Ukrainian authorities have reiterated that they will not agree to cede areas controlled by Russia.
In recent days, Trump has attempted to apply pressure against Moscow through tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil, such as India. Analysts believe these actions are part of his strategy to reach the negotiating table with leverage over Putin, although it's unclear whether they will achieve the desired effect. Kremlin spokespeople described the upcoming meeting as "an opportunity for dialogue" and reiterated that Moscow will demand security guarantees and international recognition of the territories it controls in Ukraine. It's unclear whether Ukrainian representatives or external mediators will participate in the Alaska talks.
Axios: US, Ukraine, and EU meet before Trump-Putin
Officials from the United States, Ukraine, and several European countries will meet in the United Kingdom this weekend to try to reach a common position before the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Axios reports, citing sources who say the idea of an in-person meeting emerged today during a conference call between officials, the third in three days.
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