According to CNN, European officials privately voiced concern about his absence in Alaska, calling him the American figure with the deepest understanding of what terms Ukraine might consider in a deal.

Amy B. Zegart
Russia, one of the world’s largest energy producers, relies heavily on oil exports to fund its full-scale war against Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted Russian energy facilities that both supply fuel to its military and …
During Russia’s overnight strike on Odesa region with Shahed drones on August 18, a facility belonging to Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR — which has an agreement with Ukraine to supply gas — was damaged. It was the second attack on the same oil …
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Russia has suspended oil deliveries to Hungary following a strike by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on a pipeline - “likely referring to the Druzhba pipeline,” he added . He said Russian authorities are …
Just after the sun rises over the sea in Ukraine's southern coastal city Odesa, shirtless men with gold chains flip tractor tires on a beachside blacktop, while women balance on their yoga mats at a pier. As fishermen cast their lines out into the …
“Russians are using the symbols of the U.S. in their own terrorist, aggressive war involving the killing of civilians,” Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, said.

“I demand a clear assurance that Russia will refrain from any act that could be classified as interfering in Hungary’s internal political processes, including disinformation campaigns, cyber operations, or intimidation of political …
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.

Russia launched a wave of missile attacks towards Ukrainian cities late on Aug. 17, mere hours before President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet for peace talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.

“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."

Ukraine’s civilian and military authorities reported gains in efforts to halt Russian advances north of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that he had heard a report from Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, Oleksandr …
Key developments on Aug. 16-17: