- Zelensky’s trip to Washington was characterized as an essential point in U.S.-Ukraine relations. In the discussions, he highlighted Ukraine’s persistent fight for independence, the significant humanitarian toll of the war, and the nation’s pressing demand for security assurances and financial support. Referring to the talks as “a significant step,” Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s alliance with the United States is a fundamental aspect of its strength in the face of Russian aggression.
- The difference between Zelensky’s measured hopefulness and Trump’s push for direct negotiations with Putin highlights larger conflicts in U.S. foreign policy. European allies, especially, fear that too early interaction with Moscow might legitimize Russia’s assertions regarding annexed areas, such as Crimea. For Zelensky, who always views Ukraine’s sovereignty as essential, Trump’s willingness to meet with Putin might disrupt the diplomatic situation
Nonetheless, specialists argue that Zelensky's description of the White House discussions as a crucial moment underscores the importance of continued U.S. assistance.- Military aid, rebuilding support, and political unity continue to be crucial lifelines for Ukraine.Meanwhile, Trump’s attempts to initiate talks with Russia may further strain the unity of NATO members and spark debates regarding the limits of negotiations with Moscow.
- As the two stories progress, a single theme emerges: Ukraine’s conflict has transformed into a pivotal arena for global diplomacy. Zelensky’s statements indicate optimism for closer U.S. cooperation, whereas Trump’s proposals for a meeting with Putin underscore the ongoing debate about the best approach to achieve peace—whether by unwavering backing for Ukraine or by potentially dangerous direct diplomacy with Russia
Bodies of 1,000 people returned to Ukraine by Russia
From (xenixnews) Svitlana Vlasova and Lauren Kent
- The bodies of 1,000 people were repatriated to Ukraine by Russia on Tuesday, in line with previously negotiated agreements.
- “Unfortunately, among those repatriated are the bodies of five Ukrainian servicemen who died in captivity. They were on the list of ‘seriously wounded and seriously ill’ prisoners to be exchanged in accordance with the agreements reached in Istanbul during the second round of negotiations,” Ukraine’s POW headquarters said in a statement.
- “The Russian side continues to delay and fails to fulfil its obligations,” the statement said. “Ukraine insists on the immediate release of all seriously ill and seriously wounded prisoners and is fighting for the return of all Ukrainian citizens.”
The Ukrainian authority thanked the International Committee of the Red Cross for assisting with the repatriation of bodies.
Lavrov reiterates Trump’s invitation to Moscow
From xenixnews Anna Chernova and Christian Edwards
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated that US President Donald Trump has been invited by the Kremlin to visit Russia, for a potential follow-up meeting after last week’s summit in Alaska.
In an interview with Russian state media on Tuesday, Lavrov said again that Trump has an invitation to visit Russia.
During his joint press conference with Trump in Alaska, Vladimir Putin spoke his final public words at the summit in English – a language the Russian president speaks more of than he usually lets on.
- “Next time in Moscow?” Putin asked Trump, floating the idea of hosting a second summit in Russia.
- The foreign minister’s comment comes as Putin is facing pressure from Trump to agree to a bilateral summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, following Monday’s summit of US and European leaders at the White House.
Moscow again refuses to commit to Putin-Zelensky meeting
From xenixnews Anna Chernova and Christian Edwards
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov refused to commit to a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but stopped short of ruling out further talks.
In comments to Russian state media, Lavrov prevaricated over a possible bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky, which has been backed by US President Donald Trump.
- “Any contacts involving top officials must be prepared with the utmost care,” Lavrov said Tuesday.
- “We do not refuse any forms of work – neither bilateral nor trilateral,” Lavrov stressed, without committing to any.
So far, the Kremlin has only said it is prepared to “raise the level” of the delegation it sends to meetings with Ukraine, but did not say whether this means Putin is prepared to meet Zelensky.
Kyiv residents relieved after White House talks, but wary of any future diplomacy with Putin
From xenixnews Svitlana Vlasova and Lauren Kent
People living in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, expressed some relief following Monday’s talks between President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump and other European leaders at the White House.
Kyiv resident Ihor Kharchenko said the result of the Oval Office meeting was “better than it could have been,” adding he was heartened by what he viewed as European and US unity against Russia.- “No bad decisions have been made, from what we have heard, for this country and for Europe,” he said. “The diplomatic front now looks like Europe with Ukraine, mediated by the United States, against the aggressor. This is a big plus.”
Looking to the future, Kharchenko and other locals said they couldn’t imagine Zelensky sitting down with Putin for a potential bilateral meeting.
Kyiv resident Ihor Kharchenko said the result of the White House meeting is “better than it could have been.” Svitlana Vlasova/xenixnews
- “It is impossible to sit down at the negotiating table with an international criminal,” Kharchenko told xenixnews
Larysa Kvitko, a local doctor, said she worried there would be some “hidden pitfalls” in any meeting with the Kremlin, arguing that “you cannot shake hands with a murderer, even at a diplomatic meeting.”
Natalia added that the level of support shown by Europe gave her hope, but she expressed limited expectations: “Judging by the fact that Putin is not offering anything, but simply demanding, it is simply impossible. He is offering impossible conditions specifically to prevent peace.”
Kyiv resident Veronika Yerokhina said she believes the Ukrainian president is “doing everything he can.” Svitlana Vlasova/xeninnews
Another Kyiv resident, Veronika Yerokhina, said she wouldn’t personally give up any territory, but realizes that diplomacy requires “finding a way to agree on something.”
UK’s Starmer says White House meeting made progress toward two main goals
From xenixnews Christian Edwards and Svitlana Vlasova
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a bilateral meeting at the Trump Turnberry Golf Courses, in Turnberry south west Scotland on July 28. Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the White House meeting between US and European leaders made progress toward two goals the United Kingdom was most hoping to achieve.
- First, Starmer said Monday’s meeting led to a “breakthrough” on security guarantees, which will “ensure that if there is a peace… then we hold to it.”
Second, Starmer said there would soon be a bilateral meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin,
which will befollowed by a trilateral summit of the two leaders along with US President Donald Trump.
However, the precise nature of the security guarantees being discussed is unclear. US envoy Steve Witkoff told xenixnews Sunday that Washington had been able to extract a concession from Moscow during Friday’s summit in Alaska, with the Kremlin allowing the US and Europe to grant Ukraine “Article 5-like” protection, but stopping short of accepting the principle of its full NATO membership.
Analysts have pointed out that it is not clear why the US would need Russia’s permission to provide these protections to Ukraine. Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told xenixnews Witkoff’s position was “astonishingly weak and vulnerable.”
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