On August 7, Valeriy Kochok reviewed this week's major political events. The approaching August 8 deadline marks US President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin: end the war or face new secondary tariffs targeting not only Russia, but also China and India due to their ongoing oil purchases. Both China and India have said they will continue dealings with Russia regardless of new sanctions.
Trump stated he would meet with Putin only as part of a trilateral summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while Zelensky insists European leaders should also participate. Putin has not ruled out meeting with Zelensky if certain conditions are met, but currently sees no grounds for talks. Conflicting statements by the leaders contribute to a complex and unclear information environment around the potential summit.
Russian media have reported a possible Trump-Putin meeting on August 15, though Western outlets like ABC News deny that any date has been agreed. US and European press highlight ongoing disagreements between Trump and Putin over the summit’s format and potential outcome.
Meanwhile, a “peace plan” discussed in the Polish media—claiming recognition of Russia’s occupied territories—is strongly denied by the Ukrainian president’s office. Other proposals under discussion involve the partial lifting of sanctions, restoring energy imports from Russia, and possible further NATO expansion. However, the Kremlin maintains rigid positions and no progress toward compromise has been indicated.
Analysts also note that China, according to Western sources, does not seek a swift conclusion to the war, hoping instead to see both Russia and the US weakened. Global markets have responded to the political uncertainty, while Russia’s budget deficit continues to rise despite assertions of economic resilience.
In conclusion, the situation around the summit remains unresolved. Key factors for progress may include continued Western military support for Ukraine and stricter sanctions against Russia.
