Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Saturday that Kyiv will not surrender any territory to Russia, hours after Washington and Moscow confirmed plans for an August 15 summit in Alaska aimed at ending the three-year war. The meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will proceed despite objections from Ukraine and European allies that Kyiv must be included in any negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alleged Monday that Russian forces fighting in Kharkiv included foreign mercenaries from multiple countries, including China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and several African nations. Zelensky made the accusation during a visit to frontline units, where he claimed Ukrainian troops had encountered non-Russian fighters on the battlefield.
Multiple high-ranking Ukrainian military and political officials—reportedly including a lawmaker from President Volodymyr Zelensky’s own party—have been arrested in a sweeping anti-corruption probe tied to stolen war funds and bribery. The arrests follow rising public outrage and recent mass protests in Kyiv over weakening anti-corruption oversight.
President Donald Trump stated Wednesday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is prepared to see the war with Russia come to an end. Speaking during a press conference at the NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands, Trump described Zelensky as “very nice” and emphasized that both leaders expressed interest in resolving the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin told President Trump on Saturday that Moscow is prepared to resume peace talks with Kyiv after June 22, once prisoner exchanges and body repatriations are complete. This marks the fifth call between the two leaders since Trump assumed office, reflecting his effort to reshape U.S.–Russia relations.
President Donald Trump announced Monday that he may attend a high-stakes peace meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey, as both leaders prepare for direct talks aimed at ending the conflict. Trump emphasized the urgency of diplomatic engagement, saying he would fly to the meeting if it would help end what he called a “bloodbath.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded Sunday to Russia’s proposal for direct peace talks by welcoming the idea—but only under the condition of an immediate and temporary ceasefire. Zelenskyy reiterated his call for a 30-day unconditional halt to hostilities, emphasizing that a ceasefire is the “very first step” to ending the war.
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met privately on Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City ahead of Pope Francis’ funeral. The two leaders discussed efforts to secure a ceasefire and reach a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.
President Donald Trump has publicly questioned Russian President Vladimir Putin's commitment to ending the war in Ukraine, suggesting that Putin may be misleading him. This marks a significant shift in Trump's approach to the conflict.
