On August 18, a landmark meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump is set to take place in the United States. The event is closely followed by both Western experts and the Ukrainian public, as it could provide a new impetus for peace negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine war. Prior to the summit, Zelensky held talks with Trump's special envoy Keith Kellogg and met with European representatives.
While preparations for the talks are underway, the frontline remains tense. Russia launched missile and drone strikes on Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, resulting in civilian casualties including a 16-year-old boy and a one-year-old child. Up to 30 people were injured in Zaporizhzhia and 24 in Kharkiv. In Donetsk region, four people were killed and seven wounded in Russian attacks.
According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Russia is redeploying troops to the Zaporizhzhia direction and preparing for more intensive operations. The upcoming Trump-Zelensky talks will address scenarios for ending the war and possible compromises along the current front line. European officials recognize the complexity of the situation and insist on not formally recognizing annexed territories.
A trilateral summit involving Trump, Zelensky, and Putin is also being discussed, with Geneva, the Vatican, Rome, and Budapest suggested as possible locations. Ceasefire control and the peacekeeping mission are expected to be central topics. Most EU countries and Poland currently rule out sending troops as part of peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine.
External financing remains critical for Ukraine: in 2026, the country’s need for international assistance is projected at $45 billion. Ukraine continues negotiations with partners about ongoing support. Meanwhile, Israel faces mass protests demanding an end to the war as domestic tensions rise.
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