On August 7, Andrii Kluchok summarized the main events and statements of the previous day, focusing on Donald Trump’s late-night briefing about Steve Witkoff’s talks with Vladimir Putin. Trump described the meeting as productive but not breakthrough, and made several contradictory remarks regarding possible tariffs on China and possible meetings with Putin and Zelensky.
Immediately after the conclusion of the Witkoff-Putin talks, Russia mounted a mass drone attack on Ukraine, launching 112 drones. Some were intercepted, but the attacks resulted in casualties and destruction in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
The Russian side also reported downing over 80 Ukrainian drones in various regions, while Ukrainian drones attacked strategic sites in Krasnodar Krai. Ukraine's General Staff is yet to publish the detailed results.
Regarding negotiations, Trump avoided specifics but raised the possibility of a meeting with Putin. US Secretary of State Sha Marco Rubio highlighted that territorial concessions remain a key issue for ending the war, with any summit dependent on narrowing the gap between the sides’ positions.
Zelensky mentioned contacts with European leaders about the war, but the details of Russia's demands remain unclear. US officials confirm readiness for talks, but logistical hurdles persist.
On the economic front, Trump announced potential new tariffs on oil from countries cooperating with Russia. China, India, Vietnam, and Brazil are discussing joint responses. For the first time, Russia exported oil to Vietnam, expanding its markets despite sanctions.
Conclusion: Peace talks remain vague as military and economic escalation continues. US and Russian leaders show openness to dialogue, but positions remain far apart.
