On August 22, host Liuy Kluchok highlighted the most significant international events and their impact on the war in Ukraine.
Donald Trump has currently paused his involvement in efforts to organize a summit between Putin and Zelensky, realizing the difficulty of reaching an agreement. In the Kremlin, Lavrov, not Putin, delivers most comments, something the EU has noted, raising questions about the actual leadership in Russia.
Last night, oil supplies on the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary were stopped following a drone strike on a station in Russia's Unecha. A previous similar incident in the Tambov region had also disrupted supplies to Slovakia and Hungary.
Hungary's foreign minister views these attacks as attempts to draw the country into the war, though the commentator notes pro-Russian narratives in Budapest's statements. At the same time, debates continue about possible security guarantees for Ukraine— the US has yet to define its role, while Russia seeks a return to the Istanbul agreement format of 2022, with guarantees from UN Security Council members.
European officials criticize these Russian proposals and doubt Putin’s willingness to negotiate. Lithuania's former foreign minister noted that Russian strikes on an American-invested plant in Mukachevo are an attempt to humiliate the US, though Washington has given no official response.
Senator Lindsey Graham is again pushing to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism if it does not return abducted Ukrainian children, but such legislative measures currently have little chance. Meanwhile, President Zelensky announces new diplomatic initiatives and emphasizes continued pressure on Moscow.
In the US, there have been personnel changes in intelligence and a tightening of secrecy around information on Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations, even among close allies. Trump has meanwhile stated that the fate of peace in Ukraine will be determined soon, though no specific new support for Kyiv has been announced.
Reports also outline the shifting role of North Korean forces fighting in Russia, changes in their status, and Russia’s economic problems— in particular, increased tax pressure on small businesses.
In summary, the US, EU and other countries are searching for new ways to support Ukraine amid Russian escalation and the lack of clarity from some Western politicians.
