On August 29, Ukraine marks the Day of Remembrance for fallen defenders. This day recalls the tragic events near Ilovaisk in 2014, when Russian forces violated corridor agreements for Ukrainian troops. Victims of the Russian missile attack on August 28 are also commemorated, with at least 23 deaths reported.
Europe is discussing the idea of creating a 40-kilometer demilitarized zone in Donbas, which may coincide with administrative borders of Donetsk region. The initiative involves dispatching peacekeepers to monitor the ceasefire. However, the proposal is controversial, as it may require Ukraine to make territorial concessions and potentially exposes the area to further occupation. The United States is currently not actively participating in these talks.
US President Trump and his representatives assign equal responsibility for the conflict to Russia and Ukraine. Trump advocates accelerating negotiations and ending the war in any format. Media reports suggest that in meetings between advisors and Putin, proposals were made for legal recognition of Crimea and Donbas as Russian in exchange for Moscow dropping claims to Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Military presence in these regions was not discussed, leaving Western partners puzzled.
The US has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, worth almost $1 billion. It includes missiles, GPS navigation systems, and other equipment, with funding coming from Europe. The US has condemned missile strikes on Kyiv, emphasizing the unacceptability of attacks on civilian areas.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa criticized Trump’s approach, accusing the administration of aiding Russia. Germany’s chancellor highlighted that no meeting between Zelensky and Putin is on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Russia is allocating a record 48-50% of its federal budget to military needs, surpassing spending levels of the late Soviet era.
