On August 18, a meeting took place in the Oval Office between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump, with further discussions with European representatives expected. The potential end of the Russian-Ukrainian war became the main topic of numerous commentaries and analytical materials.
Boris Johnson, former UK Prime Minister, published a column in the Daily Mail addressing whether Donald Trump was right to invite Vladimir Putin to a summit. Johnson provides detailed analysis of the diplomatic episode, stating the summit was controversial, and the public reception of Putin on American soil drew sharp criticism, especially from those supporting Ukraine.
Johnson holds Putin responsible for the war, emphasizing that the Russian leadership bears main responsibility for the bloodshed. He also notes that, despite the unpleasant nature of the meeting, it was diplomatically necessary in an attempt to bring about peace.
Johnson points out that Russia faces growing internal difficulties—its economy is strained, and international support is weakening. However, the spirit of Ukrainian resistance remains strong. Much of his analysis centers on Putin's unwillingness to accept Western peace terms and the need for greater pressure by the US and Europe to achieve progress in talks.
Ultimately, Johnson argues Europe must show greater initiative for peace, as the US is unlikely to provide military guarantees. According to other experts, Ukraine will have to make tough decisions, as Russia remains an unreliable partner. The editor-in-chief of "Bild" also notes that peace will likely be painful, with protracted war as the alternative.
The article concludes with the author's commentary on the need for Ukraine's internal efficiency and an invitation for readers to follow developments in Washington and worldwide on social media.
