Friday, August 8, live news. Tusk: A freeze in the war may be near.

• It's the 1,261st day of war in Ukraine

19:03|August 8

Tass: Putin-Trump meeting likely at the end of next week

A meeting between Russian and US Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump could take place at the end of next week, a source told the Tass news agency. A meeting is possible at the end of next week, the source said.

6:34 PM | August 8

Zelensky interviews Fiala: Europe must develop a common position on all aspects of security.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone conversation with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala."I informed him of all our contacts and efforts to end the killings and achieve real peace. There have been many phone calls in recent days, many contacts at various levels. Everyone is united by the understanding that the war must end and that Europe must develop a common position on every important aspect of security," the Ukrainian leader said."The United States is determined to achieve a ceasefire, and we must jointly support all constructive initiatives. A dignified, reliable, and lasting peace can only be the result of our joint efforts. I thanked the Czech Republic for all its support to Ukraine, especially for the Czech initiative to provide artillery to our soldiers. This has helped save many lives and strengthen our positions. Through strength, we are moving towards reliable security," Zelensky wrote in a message on X.

5:58 PM | August 8

Woman dies in Kharkiv after Russian raid

A Ukrainian woman seriously injured in Russian shelling in central Kherson has died. The head of the regional administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, announced the news on social media. Ukrainska Pravda reports. Doctors fought to the very end to keep the 78-year-old woman alive. Unfortunately, her injuries proved too severe, and she died, the same source said. Meanwhile, in Kherson, a 13-year-old teenager walking down the street was hit by a drone and injured. The news was announced by the head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, Yaroslav Shanko, on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.

5:18 PM | August 8

EU: Ukraine to receive over €3.2 billion in fourth tranche of aid

Ukraine will receive over €3.2 billion as part of the fourth tranche of funding approved by the European Council through the Ukraine Facility, the medium-term support mechanism created to support the country in its most critical phase of transformation and reconstruction. A European Council statement explains that the funds will primarily serve to strengthen macrofinancial stability and ensure the functioning of the public administration, severely challenged by the war and the ongoing economic crisis. The support is tied to the implementation of the so-called"Plan for Ukraine," which sets out the country's roadmap for reconstruction, modernization, and reform, with the ultimate goal of moving closer to European Union accession within the next four years. This new tranche adds to the previous funding disbursed in 2024.

4:57 PM | August 8

The US and Russia are working on an agreement that would leave occupied territories in Moscow's hands.

Washington and Moscow are working on a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine that would sanction Russia's occupation of the territories it captured during its military invasion, Bloomberg reports, citing sources familiar with the matter. According to information gathered by the agency, American and Russian officials are negotiating territorial borders ahead of a possible summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin as early as next week. Washington is seeking the support of Kiev and its European allies, though the agreement remains highly uncertain. Putin demands that Ukraine cede the entire Donbass and recognize the annexation of Crimea, which Russia illegally occupied in 2014. This would require Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to order a withdrawal from the areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions still controlled by Kyiv, something Moscow has failed to achieve by force since the start of its full-scale invasion in February 2022. For Putin, such an agreement would be the culmination of a strategy aimed at direct negotiations with the United States, excluding Ukraine and Europe from the negotiating table. Zelensky, for his part, risks facing an ultimatum: accept the loss of territory or reject an imposed agreement.

4:12 PM | August 8

Kremlin: Putin in China for 80 years after the end of World War II

The Kremlin reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during their telephone conversation today, also discussed the Russian leader's upcoming visit to China. The heads of state also discussed several current issues on the bilateral and international agenda, including preparations for Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and the ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan and the end of World War II, the Kremlin said in a statement. Putin will visit the People's Republic of China in late August or early September to participate in celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II, TASS reported, noting that a large military parade will be held in Beijing on September 3.

3:57 PM | August 8

Farnesina: Italy supports dialogue wherever it takes place

The Kremlin has already rejected the possibility of Rome hosting a future meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, but the Farnesina reiterates Italy's commitment to a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani believes that, regardless of how and where a genuine diplomatic dialogue between Russia and Ukraine unfolds, Italy will be ready to support this process sincerely and constructively, a spokesperson said.

3:32 PM | August 8

Modi meets with Putin, who informs him of the latest developments

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that he had a good conversation with his friend Vladimir Putin, during which they reaffirmed their commitment to deepening Russian-Indian cooperation. Modi also said he was looking forward to the Russian leader's visit to India."I had a very interesting and in-depth conversation with my friend President Putin," Modi wrote on X."We reviewed the progress made on our bilateral agenda and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepening the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia," Modi said. The Indian prime minister also said that Putin briefed him on the latest developments regarding Ukraine.

3:10 PM | August 8

Kiev soldiers are skeptical about negotiations, Russia doesn't want peace.

Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield are expressing little hope for a diplomatic solution to the war with Russia, as US President Donald Trump's ultimatum to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin approaches its deadline today for peace and a possible summit between the two sides to discuss Moscow's invasion is mooted. In the Pokrovsk area of Donetsk, one commander said he believes Moscow is not interested in peace."It is impossible to negotiate with them. The only option is to defeat them," Buda, commander of the Spartan Brigade, told the Associated Press. The larger Russian army is slowly advancing deep into Ukraine, at a high cost in troops and armor, while relentlessly shelling Ukrainian cities. Russia and Ukraine are far apart on their peace terms. Ukrainian forces are engaged in intense battles along the 1,000-kilometer front line that runs from northeast to southeast Ukraine. The urban area of Pokrovsk, in the eastern Donetsk region, is bearing the brunt of the fire, as Russia attempts to advance from there into the neighboring Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukraine is suffering from a significant personnel shortage. Intense fighting is also ongoing in Ukraine's northern border region of Sumy, where Ukrainian forces are engaging Russian soldiers to prevent reinforcements from reaching Donetsk.

3:00 PM | August 8

Lukashenko: I will not run for another term.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, in power for 31 years, has announced that he does not intend to seek another term after his current one expires in 2029."No, I no longer have any such plans," Lukashenko replied in an interview with Time magazine, reported by the Russian news agency Tass, when asked if he intends to remain in power after his current term. Lukashenko, 71, was re-elected to a seventh five-year term last January in elections slammed as a farce by opponents and human rights NGOs due to a harsh crackdown on all forms of dissent. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas described the vote as a blatant affront to democracy, adding that Lukashenko has no legitimacy.

2:35 PM | August 8

Trump asks Meloni to organize the summit in Rome but Putin opposes it

by Marco Galluzzo and Gian Guido Vecchi

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​There was a suggestion of holding the Trump-Putin summit in Rome for the war in Ukraine, but for the moment it has fallen through due to Russia's opposition. The possibility of the US and Russian presidents meeting in the Vatican remains open, even if at this point it seems unlikely. On Thursday 7th, Trump called President Meloni and proposed hosting the summit in Rome on Monday. The Prime Minister immediately expressed her willingness, and a few hours later, Rubio also officially proposed Rome at the NSA meeting that took place between Italy, France, the United States, Germany, Great Britain, Ukraine, and Finland. 

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2:26 PM | August 8

Xi to Putin: There are no easy solutions to complex things

China hopes for progress toward a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis, Chinese President Xi Jinping said during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to China Central Television (CCTV) and relayed by Russian news agencies.

Commenting on the war in Ukraine, Xi emphasized that there are no simple solutions to complex issues and reiterated that Beijing will continue to promote peace and negotiations. The two leaders also emphasized the high level of mutual political trust and cooperation between China and Russia. Xi emphasized that China supports the maintenance of contacts between Russia and the United States and hopes for an improvement in bilateral relations.

2:16 PM | August 8

Media: Trump probes Meloni for a summit with Putin in Rome

During yesterday's phone call, US President Donald Trump reportedly asked Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to arrange a meeting with Vladimir Putin next Monday in Rome regarding the conflict in Ukraine, according to several media reports.

1:56 PM | August 8

Lukashenko ready to organize a summit between Putin, Trump and Zelensky

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, in an interview with the American magazine Time, expressed his willingness to organize a three-way meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to the Belarusian news agency Belta."We decide in advance: for example, the hero city of Minsk, Istanbul, Geneva. Once decided, this meeting will take place in a month. On the first day, we will discuss, for example, relations between the United States and Russia. On the second day, if we reach an agreement on a draft document, we will invite Zelensky. It will be a dignified thing," Lukashenko said, adding that Putin would be happy to meet Trump in the Belarusian capital and that the US leader would also be pleased.

1:02 PM | August 8

Tass: Rome will not host the Putin-Trump summit.

Rome will not host the meeting between Putin and Trump, according to the Russian news agency Tass, immediately denying the speculation spread by Fox News. The summit will not be held in a European country, the agency's source stated.

12:57 PM | August 8

Putin talks to Xi about the expected summit with Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone today with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to inform him of talks with the United States and the upcoming summit with Donald Trump, Russian agencies reported, citing Chinese television.

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​During the conversation, the Chinese president urged his Russian counterpart to improve relations with the United States, Chinese television reported.

12:55 PM | August 8

Fox News: Rome could be a possible venue for the Trump-Putin meeting.

A summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump could take place as early as next week. Two sources familiar with the negotiations told Fox News that the summit was scheduled for next Monday, with Rome as one possible venue. If the meeting were to be postponed until the end of the week, Rome could still be a possibility, although other European and other countries are also in the running, Fox News adds.

12:41 PM | August 8

Tusk: War freeze may be near

I just concluded a long conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the situation in Ukraine. There are certain signs, and perhaps even a hunch, that a freeze in the conflict is closer than it is far away. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said this, quoted by the Pap agency. Zelensky himself is very cautious, but still optimistic, Tusk added, recalling that today expires the ultimatum given by Donald Trump to Vladimir Putin to end the attacks in Ukraine and avoid secondary sanctions.

12:23 PM | August 8

Zelensky speaks with Tusk: Secure peace is essential for everyone

I spoke with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. We discussed many issues: our work for peace, the joint production of defense systems, support for Ukrainians, and the negotiation process for Ukraine's accession to the EU. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote this in a post on X, reporting that he had informed him of the talks with US President Donald Trump and our European colleagues."We discussed available diplomatic options and agreed to coordinate and work together for our common European interests," Zelensky added, recalling that Ukraine, Poland, and other European nations need a solid foundation for their security and independence."A solid peace is essential for everyone." Finally, in the post, the Ukrainian president reported that they discussed the negotiation process for Ukraine's accession to the EU."Donald and I agreed that the first negotiating cluster for Ukraine and Moldova should be opened simultaneously. Ukraine and Moldova began this process together and must continue it together." Thank you for your support, Zelensky concluded.

11:30 AM | August 8

Kiev: Over 5,000 Russian soldiers killed by drones in July

Ukrainian drones struck over 23,000 enemy targets in July, killing over 5,000 Russian soldiers. RBC Ukraine quoted Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrsky as saying that first-person view (FPV) drones and night bombers played a key role. Syrsky noted that unmanned systems have become an integral part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and, in conjunction with infantry and artillery, are the key to success against the enemy. According to Syrsky, 23,400 enemy targets were hit by drones last month. Most of these were hit by first-person view (FPV) drones and night bombers, whose effectiveness, he noted, is increasing. The main priority is the elimination of enemy personnel. In July, our forces eliminated 5,134 occupants, Syrsky noted.

10:58 AM | August 8

Russia begins construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant

Russia has begun construction of the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, a vast Central Asian country and the world's leading uranium producer, where China will build two more. According to a joint statement from the Kazakh nuclear agency and Russian nuclear giant Rosatom, the work aims to"select the optimal site" by drilling around fifty exploratory wells and taking soil samples. The start of engineering studies is a crucial phase on which the safety, reliability, and profitability of the project depend, the statement reads. The groundbreaking ceremony took place near the semi-deserted village of Ulken (in the south of the country), on the shores of Lake Balkhash, the second largest lake in Central Asia. Construction of this first nuclear power plant was approved in the fall of 2024, following an uneventful referendum, and Kazakhstan announced in June that it was focusing on its ally Moscow.

10:35 AM | August 8

UN welcomes Trump-Putin meeting

The United Nations welcomes all efforts to promote peace in Ukraine, in accordance with the UN Charter, international law, and resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. This was stated by spokesperson Farhan Haq, responding to journalists' questions seeking comment on the possible meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

10:34 AM | August 8

Russian drone strikes over Kiev region: 3 injured, including a 16-year-old.

Three people, including a 16-year-old boy, were injured in a drone strike launched by Russian forces last night in the Kyiv region, the regional military administration announced, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda. The attack, according to a statement, hit the Buchanan district and caused fires and damage to homes. In addition to the teenager, two women, aged 56 and 80, were injured.

9:51 AM | August 8

Ukraine: At least 3 civilians killed and 19 injured in latest Russian raids

The new attacks come against the backdrop of intense international diplomatic activity, centered on the prospect of a possible meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump as early as next week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's participation appears to be ruled out for now.

9:23 AM | August 8

Trump ready to meet Putin, even without Zelensky

The White House is working on organizing a trilateral meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterparts Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian Kremlin counterpart Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne reported this, citing sources in the Trump administration. According to the sources, the talks could take place as early as next week, although the location has not yet been determined. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump is available to meet with both leaders. As President Trump stated yesterday, the Russians have expressed a desire to meet with President Trump, and the president is open to such a meeting. President Trump would like to meet with both Presidents Putin and Zelensky because he wants this brutal war to end. The White House is finalizing the details of these potential meetings and will provide them at the appropriate time, Leavitt stated. An anonymous White House representative previously told the New York Post that the meeting with Putin would only take place if the Russian leader also agreed to meet with Zelensky. Trump later denied this claim.

9:14 AM | August 8

WSJ: Putin Ready to Meet Trump

In recent months, US and Russian presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have held cordial telephone conversations lasting several hours. This is according to a Wall Street Journal article, which provides background information ahead of a possible face-to-face meeting between the two leaders in the coming days, and thus a potential turning point toward ending hostilities in Ukraine. According to sources cited by the newspaper, Trump and Putin had numerous telephone conversations and exchanged messages through intermediaries, during which Trump frequently insisted on reviving US-Russian economic relations, while Putin reiterated his claims on Crimea and Donbas. The telephone conversations reportedly dragged on due to Putin's lengthy monologues and the need for simultaneous translation. Despite his well-known impatience, Trump reportedly listened attentively to his interlocutor.

8:11 AM | August 8

Media, drones on electrical substation in occupied Crimea

A drone strike last night started fires near the large Titan power substation in Armyansk, occupied Crimea, according to the Crimean Wind Telegram channel, as reported by RBC-Ukraine. A 220-kV Titan power substation is located there. It is not known whether it was hit, the channel reported. Subsequently, according to RBC-Ukraine, NASA's Fire Detection System (FIRMS) reported fires in the area.

5:10 AM | August 8

Zelensky: We must also be at the top

Everyone knows for certain that in Russia all key decisions are made by one person. And that this person fears US sanctions. And that it is right for Ukraine to participate in the negotiations. Therefore, the format of the leaders' meetings is, in particular, trilateral. We discussed this in detail yesterday: several bilateral formats and one trilateral one. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this in his daily evening address."I am grateful to President Trump for his openness in seeking truly effective solutions," Zelensky added."Here in Ukraine, we are confident that this war can be ended with a lasting peace. But every step must be carefully considered to achieve the goal."

2:57 AM | August 8

Zelensky: Thanks to Meloni

I spoke with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. It was a fruitful conversation, in which we shared a common vision on how to move toward a real and just peace. It is important for Ukraine that our partners are well informed about the situation. We all want a clear and secure future for Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote this on X. Giorgia firmly supports the position that European leaders must be involved in diplomatic efforts alongside the United States to establish peace, he added. Thank you, Giorgia, for your stance and your unwavering support, the Ukrainian president wrote.

1:23 AM | August 8

The UN: Evidence of dialogue is to be welcomed.

The United Nations welcomes all efforts to promote peace in Ukraine, in accordance with international law and the resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. This was stated by spokesperson Farhan Haq, responding to journalists' questions seeking comment on the possible meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

0:43 | August 8

Trump: Putin Doesn't Need to Meet Zelensky First

Vladimir Putin doesn't necessarily have to meet Volodymyr Zelensky for Donald Trump to agree to a face-to-face meeting with the Kremlin leader. The American president himself clarified this, denying rumors circulating this afternoon. When asked by a reporter at the White House whether Putin absolutely has to meet Zelensky, Trump replied firmly:"No. No, it's not," Trump repeated."Putin would like to meet with me, and I will do everything possible to stop the massacres," he added.