On August 13, an important online meeting took place with Donald Trump, Jed Devans, several European allies, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky flew to Berlin in the morning and met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The discussions focused on major issues concerning a peace process to resolve the war in Ukraine.
According to Axios, Donald Trump said he would not make any final decisions regarding Ukraine's territorial concessions, insisting that President Zelensky and President Putin must negotiate directly. Trump again highlighted that territory swaps could be unavoidable for a peace deal. Zelensky told Trump that Putin cannot be trusted, and Trump himself voiced caution toward Russia's intentions. French President Emmanuel Macron took a tough stance, saying a summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska would greatly benefit the Kremlin, a view not shared by the other European leaders present.
Following the talks with Merz, Zelensky stated that five key principles for ending the war were agreed with Trump and the Europeans. These include: a firm ceasefire before any territorial negotiations, reparations from Russia to Ukraine, security guarantees, the maintenance of sanctions on Russia, and the return of prisoners of war and deported children. Macron clarified that all partners must be involved in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security, but Trump does not agree to NATO's participation in these guarantees.
Reports suggest that the US and allies are considering a peace deal under which Russia would control occupied Ukrainian territories without formal annexation. Russia, however, refuses to withdraw troops from Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions in exchange for Donbas, so negotiations remain complex.
On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces are under pressure in Pokrovsk. Western sources say Putin proposes Russian control over the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in exchange for a general ceasefire. While Russia is mobilizing and conducting exercises, European nations are providing aid to Ukraine, including substantial new support packages from Germany and Scandinavian countries.
Politically, the White House has officially nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, raising expectations that he will concentrate heavily on efforts to freeze or end the Russia–Ukraine war in the coming months.
