Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that American negotiators are expected to arrive in Kyiv and Moscow in the coming days to resume efforts aimed at ending the Russian invasion. Zelenskyy confirmed in his nightly video address that preliminary dates for these meetings have already been established. Emphasizing the necessity of the United States maintaining an active role in the resolution process, the president stated that it is vital for America to remain engaged.
Simultaneously, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed an economic forum on Thursday, suggesting that a chance exists for a peace agreement to conclude the conflict. Putin noted that several nations, including the United States and China, have expressed readiness to support a settlement. However, he maintained that the primary resolution must be determined by Russia and Ukraine, stating, "Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is."
US President Donald Trump has indicated a desire to see the war end, though he has also suggested that European nations should reimburse the United States for previously provided military aid. Trump appeared to signal a temporary halt in sales to allied nations in a social media post on Thursday, where he also addressed concerns regarding depleted US munition stockpiles. He noted that the US is currently prioritizing its own stockpiles while ramping up production, adding that sales to allies would eventually resume.
The conflict remains intense on the ground. A Ukrainian strike in Russia’s Belgorod border region on Thursday resulted in the deaths of four people, including a doctor, a medic, and a married couple in Shebekino, according to local officials. Three others sustained injuries. Additionally, the head of Russian-controlled eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk Region reported that three civilians were killed in drone strikes across three separate districts.
Near Kyiv, Russian drones struck and damaged a Coca-Cola plant on Thursday. While officials reported no injuries, Zelenskyy criticized the move, noting that Russia intentionally targeted an American facility. In a separate domestic matter, Zelenskyy confirmed that an investigation is underway into a shootout between two Ukrainian security agencies in Kyiv. The incident, which left three members of the defence ministry’s HUR military intelligence directorate injured, reportedly stemmed from a dispute over the disappearance of a Russian nationalist activist fighting for Ukraine.
In a further sign of deteriorating relations between Moscow and Europe, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Russia will close German cultural centres within its territory. This retaliatory action follows Berlin’s accusation that Moscow was responsible for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport on 4 August.
Negotiators to visit Kyiv and Moscow as US president Donald Trump says he wants to see an end to the war. What we know on day 1,654
