On August 19, a meeting took place in Washington between European leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and former US President Donald Trump. The main outcome was the agreement to prepare a future bilateral meeting between President Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which a trilateral summit involving Trump is planned. The location is still being determined, with security guarantees for Ukraine among the key topics.
During the negotiations, Russia carried out a massive attack on Ukraine's Poltava region using drones and missiles. The strike hit the Kremenchuk oil refinery and local energy sector facilities, leaving parts of the region without electricity. There were no civilian casualties.
In response, Ukraine struck a Russian oil refinery in the Volgograd region, resulting in explosions and the suspension of the Volgograd airfield. Fuel supply disruptions continue in Russia, with price increases for petroleum products expected from September 1.
Regarding peace negotiations, it was confirmed that Trump spoke by phone with Putin during the White House talks. According to Putin’s aide, both sides support raising the level of direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations. Media reports indicate plans for a Zelensky-Putin meeting by the end of the month or early September.
After the meeting, Trump emphasized the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine, coordinated with European countries and the US. Senior US officials will coordinate further talks and summits.
Zelensky confirmed that Russia proposed a bilateral meeting ahead of the trilateral summit. He also mentioned that a security guarantee document is being prepared and may be agreed in the next 7-10 days. Zelensky has proposed new defense contracts and drone manufacturing deals to international partners.
European leaders stressed the need for robust security guarantees for Ukraine, stating that territorial issues should be resolved only through direct negotiation between Kyiv and Moscow. The coalition of "willing" countries will continue to cooperate with the US on the security framework.
Ultimately, heads of state agreed that the Ukrainian army remains the country’s main security guarantee. There are no plans for rapid demobilization after the war, and maintaining army strength is planned.
Additionally, China has lifted export restrictions on certain goods to India as a reaction to recent US trade pressures.
