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A face-to-face meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin won't happen unless the U.S. ups pressure on the Russian leader, a source in Ukraine's President's Office has told the Kyiv Independent.

Nearly two weeks after U.S. …

Brian Dooley is a Senior Advisor at Washington-based NGO Human Rights First and Honorary Professor of Practice at Queen’s University, Belfast. He specializes in working with human rights activists in war and other conflict zones and is a regular …

Did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy react to his August 2025 meeting at the White House by suggesting that Donald Trump rejects a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, believing it would hurt his chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize? No, …

In an exclusive interview with NBC News' “Meet the Press,” on Aug. 24, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance expressed optimism about diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine and claimed that Russia has made “significant …

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur breaks down Monday’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which came just a few days after Trump’s Aug. 15 meeting with …

Key developments on Aug. 22:

• Ukraine hits Russian drone base at occupied Crimean airfield, Navy claims
• Putin-Zelensky meeting 'not ready at all,' Kremlin says despite Trump push for peace deal
• Ukraine shoots down Russian Orlan 'mother drone' carrying …

“I told (Putin) I’m not happy about it,” Trump claimed a day after a Russian missile hit an American electronics plant in western Ukraine.

Russia’s top military and political officials joined Putin in the closed city of Sarov, which houses the Russian Federal Nuclear Center, on Aug. 22.

“Viktor, I do not like hearing about this — I am very angry about it. Tell Slovakia you are my great friend,” Trump wrote in response to a complaint about the strikes from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

U.S. intelligence sources told CBS News that Gabbard signed a directive barring the sharing of information with the Five Eye alliance, which includes the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.

We will know in within two weeks whether there will be peace in Ukraine. After that we will have to maybe take a different tact," U.S. President Donald Trump told conservative commentator Todd Starnes.

Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, illegally occupied by Russia since 2014, is roughly 26 times smaller than Texas.

Key developments on Aug. 20:

• Around 10 European allies willing to send troops to Ukraine, talks accelerate on security guarantees, Bloomberg reports
• US may provide air support for Ukraine under peace deal, Trump says
• Putin discusses Ukraine war with …

U.S. President Donald Trump has walked away from his ceasefire demand, saying that he supports its “concept” but can push for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine without one.

Ignoring Ukraine and Europe’s repeated calls that a peace deal be …

Key developments on Aug. 19:

• US troops won't be sent to Ukraine as part of security guarantees, Trump says
• Zelensky, Putin may meet within 2 weeks, German chancellor says
• Zelensky outlines $90 billion US arms deal as part of Ukraine's security …

The Kyiv Independent’s deputy chief editor, Toma Istomina, sits down with Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s former foreign minister, to discuss why the White House meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. President Donald Trump, …

Five people were killed and 11 injured on Aug. 17, followed by eight killed and 35 injured on Aug. 18, and at least eight killed and 53 injured on Aug. 19.

BRUSSELS, Belgium — European leaders are set to meet to coordinate the next steps on security guarantees for Ukraine after high-level talks in Washington, as diplomatic efforts intensify ahead of a possible trilateral summit involving Kyiv and …

According to Russian foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, the call took place after midnight Moscow time. Trump reportedly briefed Putin on his negotiations with Zelensky and the European leaders.

Key developments on Aug. 18:

• 'We'll give them very good protection, very good security' — Trump says in White House meeting with Zelensky
• EU leaders to hold video conference on Ukraine after Washington talks, Costa says
• Zelensky says Putin undermines …

Russian President Vladimir Putin has laid out a number of demands that he would require to stop his country's war against Ukraine.

Most of these demands are non-starters for Ukraine, analysts say.

Russia has demanded a full Ukrainian withdrawal from …

The strikes come as Moscow continues rejecting calls for an unconditional ceasefire, instead intensifying its use of drones and missiles against Ukraine.

Zelensky cautioned that any new deal must prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from using concessions as a “springboard” for another attack, citing Russia’s seizure of Crimea in 2014.

“I don’t believe (Russian President Vladimir) Putin wants peace, Macron told reporters after co-chairing a meeting of the coalition of the willing. “I believe he wants Ukraine’s surrender."

Key developments on Aug. 16-17:

• Trump, Zelensky to meet in Washington next week after US-Russia summit ends without agreement
• Top European leaders to join Zelensky in Washington for Trump talks
• Putin offers Trump frozen battle lines, written promise not …

First face-to-face meeting between Russian President Putin and U.S. President Trump since the latter’s second term to the major push of Russian forces in the embattled Donetsk Oblast.

“We didn’t get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there,” Trump said during a press conference after his meeting with Putin. “A couple of big ones that we haven’t quite gotten there, but we’ve made some headway. …

Oksana Berezina stood holding a Ukrainian flag with a photo of her husband, Oleh, who went missing in Russia’s Kursk Oblast late last year and is believed to be a prisoner of war.

Like others gathered in protest, she is pinning her hopes on a meeting …

The Kyiv Independent visited the front-line city of Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast to hear from its residents what they think about the prospects of land swaps between Ukraine and Russia ahead of the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska.

The event will mark their first face-to-face talks of Trump’s second term and their first meeting in six years, as well as Putin’s first visit to U.S. soil in a decade.

“We must always seek a ceasefire. The violence, the many deaths, must stop. Let’s see how they can come to an agreement,” Leo XIV said.

Russia launched 97 Shahed-type drones and decoys against Ukraine overnight, as well as two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, the Air Force reported. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 63 drones, while 34 drones struck 13 locations.

Pro-Ukrainian demonstrators took to the streets in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 14 ahead of a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin the next day.

Security arrangements follow strict reciprocity protocols, with each side matching the other’s personnel and resources — from motorcade composition to the number of translators and secure waiting rooms.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's first trip to the United States in a decade signals a break from the diplomatic isolation that followed his 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The visit comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a ceasefire …

Key developments on Aug. 14:

• Trump says Putin ready to make a peace deal with Ukraine
• July saw highest civilian casualties in Ukraine since 2022, UN says ahead of Trump-Putin summit
• Russia may be preparing to test nuclear-powered missile ahead of Trump …

Editor’s Note: Some of the service members interviewed for this story are introduced by callsign or first name only due to security reasons.

As U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin prepare for talks on ending the war …

President Donald Trump is reportedly considering offering Moscow access to Ukraine’s natural minerals in the Russian-occupied territories, a move Ukrainians say would be illegal and damaging to Washington’s reputation.

The news comes as Trump is set …

“I believe now he’s convinced that he’s going to make a deal. He’s going to make a deal. I think he’s going to,” U.S. President Donald Trump said.

The package includes geographical maps intended to justify Russia’s territorial claims and ongoing military aggression, Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation claimed.

“Only the first three months after the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine saw more killed and injured than in this past month,” said Danielle Bell, head of the U.N. human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to offer Russian President Vladimir Putin access to rare earth minerals in Ukraine and natural resources in Alaska in an effort to secure a ceasefire, The Telegraph reported on Aug. 13.

KRAMATORSK, Donetsk Oblast — U.S. President Donald Trump began to actively push Ukraine to accept losing its land and people to Russia, following years of brutal, all-out war.

People in Kramatorsk, the largest Ukrainian-held city in Donetsk Oblast — a …

Key developments on Aug. 13:

• Trump to push ceasefire in Alaska meeting with Putin, says Zelensky after call with US president
• Ukraine strikes oil facility in western Russia in overnight drone attack, Kyiv confirms
• Ukraine open to discussing aerial truce …

After months of failed peace talks and extensive diplomatic efforts seeing minerals and weapons deals reached, the eyes of the world will be on the remote shores of Alaska on Aug. 15, as U.S. President Donald Trump meets with his Russian counterpart, …

As Russia prepares for a diplomatic push to pressure Kyiv into withdrawing from the Ukrainian-controlled parts of Donetsk Oblast during negotiations with the U.S. this week, its forces have pierced through Ukrainian lines in a dramatic advance that …

As U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, prepare to meet face-to-face in Alaska on Aug. 15, Ukraine is left to watch the talks that could shape its future.

"It's not entirely clear what happens next," a source in the …

The rally, scheduled for Aug. 14 in Anchorage, is being held to protest the “presence of an international war criminal” and as a show of solidarity with Ukraine, Stand Up Alaska said.

When Russia launched its invasion into Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in 2014, the battle was not only over territory but also historical memory.

In the city of Kostiantynivka, the struggle played out not just with weapons, but with …

“The only sensible action for EU leaders is to initiate an EU-Russia summit, based on the example of the U.S.-Russia meeting,” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said.

According to a statement released by the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office, the discussion concluded that Ukraine’s allies must maintain pressure on Russia to end its aggression and that any peace deal requires a “robust and …

Key developments on Aug. 11:

• Russian forces pierce Ukrainian defense near Dobropillia in Donetsk Oblast, monitoring group says
• Trump says Zelensky won't attend Alaska summit with Putin, but Ukraine-Russia talks should follow
• Ukrainian drones strike …

As U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, prepare for a bilateral meeting on Aug. 15 in Alaska, the aims of the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine appear to contradict each other.

"At the end of that meeting, probably in the …

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska on Aug. 15 to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine — most likely without Ukraine’s participation.

Trump announced the meeting on Aug. 8, saying the talks could …

“He wasn’t part of it,” Donald Trump told reporters.

We asked Ukrainians on the streets of Kyiv how they feel about Trump’s plan to negotiate a peace agreement with Putin without Ukraine’s involvement, and what they think about such a territorial exchange.

“This is what the situation in the war looks like. And the situation in diplomacy must correspond accordingly,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X.

A planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be a test for the Kremlin leader, and Ukraine will be involved in upcoming peace efforts if the summit goes well, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said.

“We understand the Russians' intention to try to deceive America — we will not allow this,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on Aug. 10.

President Volodymyr Zelensky in his evening address on Aug. 9 rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for Kyiv to cede Ukrainian territory to end Russia’s war, warning that a lack of a “genuine peace” may give …

European leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity on Aug. 9 after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed to the U.S. a ceasefire plan that involves halting hostilities in exchange for Kyiv ceding its eastern …

Ukrainian and European officials rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a ceasefire in exchange for Kyiv to cede its eastern territories to Russia, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Aug. 9.

At their meeting next week, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss a peace plan that would see Ukraine surrendering new territories to Russia.

Putin passed the plan to special envoy Steve Witkoff during their …

The day before, Donald Trump claimed that peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv would likely involve “some swapping of territories."

In response to Russia's latest barbaric attack on July 30, which killed at least 32 civilians in Kyiv, President Donald Trump again threatened to extend sanctions to those who enable the war effort.

This is undoubtedly one way to ramp up pressure on …

Key developments on Aug. 7:

• Putin, Trump to meet in coming days, Moscow says as US sanctions deadline draws near
• Trump reportedly tells European allies, Zelensky that Putin open to land-swap talks
• Ukrainian drones strike Russian oil refinery in …

Ukraine’s debt securities, sensitive to prospects of an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, hit their highest levels in four months.

“President (Donald) Trump has made it clear that he’s willing and capable of moving forward on some economic actions, secondary sanctions, or other direct sanctions as well,” U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

Key developments on Aug. 5:

• Ukraine obtains classified data on Russia's newest nuclear submarine, intelligence claims
• 'Productive' phone call with Trump focused on ending war, sanctions, drone production, Zelensky says
• Three Nordic countries to fund …

Let’s start with a thought experiment: If you gave the leading AI models every single song from 1990s hip hop, would it be able to eventually invent 2000s hip hop?

I’ve been thinking more and more about artificial intelligence lately, especially …

• 'Words are very important,' — Trump orders nuclear submarines deployed after Medvedev's threats
• Zelensky urges direct leader-level peace talks as Putin blames 'excessive expectations'
• As death toll reaches 31, Russia's attack on Kyiv becomes most …

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed on August 1 the creation of three working groups for new online peace talks with Ukraine — but insisted the format would remain behind closed doors.

Trump said he found Russia’s latest attacks against Ukraine “disgusting,” though he was vague about the nature of the penalties Washington would impose if Moscow failed to reach a peace settlement.

Key developments on July 31:

• 16 killed, record number of children injured in Russia’s massive attack on Kyiv
• Trump sets Aug. 8 deadline for Ukraine peace deal, US diplomat tells UN
• Russia 'lying again' about capture of Chasiv Yar, Ukraine claims …

Kremlin officials have sought to appear unfazed by U.S. President Donald Trump's shortened timeline to reach a peace deal with Kyiv, accusing Trump of issuing ultimatums that amount to war mongering.

"We have been living under a large number of …

India has “always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine,” Trump said on his Truth …

Key developments on July 29:

• Trump says Russia tariffs will be imposed in 10 days
• Ukrainian drones strike train station, rail infrastructure amid large-scale attack on Russia's Rostov Oblast
• Zelensky signs law allowing citizens over 60 to join military …

“Indeed, peace is possible if we act strongly and decisively, and we have repeatedly said — and all partners know this — that sanctions are a key element. Russia factors in the sanctions, factors in such losses,” President Volodymyr …

Key developments on July 27:

• 'I already know the answer' — Trump to shorten Ukraine deadline for Putin to 10–12 days
• Ukraine to receive 11 more IRIS-T air defense systems from Germany, ambassador says
• Ukraine has exchanged over 5,850 captives held by …

Key developments on July 25:

• Ukraine wants 10 new Patriots but only has 3 secured, Zelensky says
• Trump suggests Russia sanctions could come sooner than 50-day deadline
• Zelensky sets 1,000-daily interceptor drones goal amid surging Russian attacks
• Musk …

Ukrainian and Western military experts assess that Russia may escalate its offensive operations during the 50-day period U.S. President Donald Trump allocated for Moscow to reach a ceasefire settlement.

Key developments on July 24:

• China covertly supplying drone engines to Russia despite sanctions, Reuters reports
• Von der Leyen urges China to press Putin to engage seriously in Ukraine-Russia peace talks
• Trump announces US-EU arms agreement including …

Key developments on July 23:

• Ukraine, Russia hold third round of peace talks in Istanbul
• Ukrainian drones reportedly target key logistics hub in southwestern Russia
• Russia suffered 80,000 casualties during Kursk incursion, Ukraine's military chief says …

“Moscow is disappointed and upset that it didn’t work out with Trump… But whatever expectations Putin might have had for a good relationship with Trump, it was always going to come second to his maximalist goals in Ukraine. For Putin, the …

Trump’s ultimatum to Russia, Ukraine’s largest government reshuffle, and allegations launched against prominent anti-corruption activist that many claim are politically motivated.

Key developments on July 17:

• Zelensky, Trump discuss 'win-win' drones-for-weapons 'mega deal'
• Washington 'moving with haste' to arm Ukraine under Trump plan, US envoy says
• Ukrainian drones reportedly target Moscow, St. Petersburg amid wider strikes …

Key developments on July 16:

• Mass attack hits cities overnight as Ukrainians brace for 50 more days of Russian terror
• Putin unfazed by Trump's threats, plans to fight on in Ukraine, Reuters reports
• Patriot missiles bound for Ukraine already being …

The Kyiv Independent’s Deputy Chief Editor Oleksiy Sorokin spoke with Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa during her visit to Kyiv on July 15, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of his deal with NATO to arm Ukraine and …

According to Reuters, Russian President Vladimir Putin sees no reason to back down. Instead, the undisclosed sources say the Russian leader is confident that Russia’s military and economy can withstand additional Western pressure.

Key developments on July 15:

• Zelensky shouldn't target Moscow, Trump says
• Ukrainian cyberattack "paralyzes" major Russian drone supplier, source claims
• Ukraine passes bill to withdraw from anti-personnel mine ban treaty
• Germany to decide on more Patriots …

The teasing on July 11 of U.S. President Donald Trump's "big announcement" on Russia had raised hopes in Ukraine over the weekend that the White House was finally going to take concrete action to pressure Moscow to end its full-scale invasion.

Those …

President Donald Trump on July 14 announced the U.S. would impose "severe tariffs" on Russia unless Moscow agrees to a deal to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days, but experts who spoke to the Kyiv Independent say the plan is deeply flawed.

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After U.S. President Donald Trump on July 14 threatened to impose “severe” tariffs on Russia in 50 days if there is no peace deal with Ukraine, the highly-anticipated statement was met largely with indifference and even relief among Russian …

Donald Trump encouraged the strategy so that Russia could “feel the pain” and agree to negotiations, the Financial Times reported, citing its sources.