As of August 12, there are three days left before the crucial summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, where the possible end of the Russia–Ukraine war will be discussed. Increasing signals indicate Russia's readiness to freeze the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he received signals that Russia is considering a ceasefire, but emphasizes that this will not happen by August 15, and that the process will take time.
On the eve of the summit, Kremlin adviser Dmitry Suslov outlined a plan that Russia intends to propose to Trump at their meeting in Alaska. The plan includes the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas (but not from other occupied territories), Ukraine's demilitarization, and a constitutional reform toward federalization. Another key demand is that Ukraine refrains from joining NATO. Should Ukraine reject the proposal, Russia hopes the US will suspend military aid to Ukraine.
While China is not directly involved in the talks, Beijing has made clear that all interested parties should participate in the peace process. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted that China supports all peaceful initiatives and welcomes dialogue between the US and Russia.
On the battlefield, Zelenskyy reported some local successes by Ukrainian forces in Sumy and Luhansk regions, but Russian troops are also advancing in several areas. Regarding casualties, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine lost 340 soldiers in one day (including 18 killed), while Russian losses totaled 968 personnel.
Ukraine has also received a signal from Trump's special representative that Russia may be ready for negotiations on ending hostilities. Zelenskyy stressed the need for trilateral talks involving the US, Ukraine, and Russia, with European participation, and hopes that negotiations will begin soon, although a swift ceasefire is unlikely.
The article also noted plans to increase stipends for Ukrainian students starting in September 2025 and measures to ease travel restrictions for young Ukrainians.
Overall, the peace process is expected to be complex and may extend to the end of the year. The key players are likely to be China, the US, the EU, and internal political factors within Russia. In response to the situation in Ukraine, European states are stepping up rearmament efforts.
