From Donald Trump's perspective, Germany, France, and Great Britain are prepared to send ground troops to Ukraine. The US president also commented on Putin's motives in an interview. Follow all developments in the Ukraine Ticker.

After the summits in Alaska and Washington, the prospects for a peace agreement in Ukraine remain unclear. A debate has erupted in Germany about the Bundeswehr's involvement in securing a possible peace settlement.

All developments on the talks and the war in Ukraine in our live ticker:

18:14 – Federal government considers Washington summit as historic

The German government considers the Ukraine summit in Washington a historic meeting. The dynamics of the previous summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday in Alaska have been reversed, according to government sources. Trump has now largely reoriented himself toward the European position.

In a telephone conversation with Trump, Putin agreed to participate in a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, it was further stated. Furthermore, the meeting at the White House served to once again test Russia's fundamental seriousness regarding peace negotiations.

5:10 PM – Pistorius: Working on security guarantees for Ukraine

According to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Germany and its partners are working hard on the details of reliable security guarantees for Ukraine."What a German contribution to the security guarantees will look like has not yet been determined and will have to be determined politically and militarily," the SPD politician told the German Press Agency.

"We are considering, first, the progress of the negotiations, second, a possible contribution from the United States, and third, the coordination with our closest partners," Pistorius continued."Of course, we also need to examine Russia's willingness to reach a peace solution."

5:00 PM – Putin apparently suggested Moscow as a venue for meetings with Zelensky

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly suggested Moscow as a location for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Putin mentioned his suggestion during a phone call with US President Trump on Monday, according to two sources familiar with the matter, reportedly told AFP. Zelensky, who was in the White House at the time of the call, declined to meet in the Russian capital.

4:29 PM – Trump sees Europeans ready to deploy troops in Ukraine

US President Donald Trump assumes that Germany, France, and Great Britain are prepared to send troops to Ukraine to secure a possible peace."When it comes to security, they are prepared to send ground troops," he said in an interview with US broadcaster Fox News. Meanwhile, the US is prepared to support its allies – for example, from the air.

In Germany, there is a debate about whether the Bundeswehr should participate in peacekeeping. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) said in Washington that the question of who would participate in security guarantees and to what extent would have to be discussed between the European partners and the US government. French President Emmanuel Macron spoke of two security guarantees to maintain peace in Ukraine: In addition to a strong Ukrainian army, there should be reinsurance troops on land, at sea, and in the air.

3:46 PM – Ukraine receives back 1,000 soldiers’ bodies

Russia has handed over 1,000 soldiers' bodies to Ukraine. This was done in accordance with the Istanbul agreements, Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky wrote on Telegram. In return, Ukraine handed over 19 Russian soldiers."Just like a month ago," he added. Kyiv confirmed receipt of the bodies. Tens of thousands of soldiers have already died on both sides in the three-and-a-half-year-long war.

3:22 p.m. – European states consider new sanctions against Russia

According to the British government, European heads of state and government are considering further sanctions against Russia. This is intended to increase pressure on President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, the government in London announced. In addition, planning teams from the so-called"Coalition of the Willing" are scheduled to meet with US representatives in the coming days to advance plans for security guarantees for Ukraine.

2:34 p.m. – Trump continues to hope for Putin, but is uncertain

US President Donald Trump says he still has hope that Russian President Vladimir Putin will end the war in Ukraine."I think Putin is fed up," Trump said in an interview with Fox News. However, it is also possible that the Russian president does not want an agreement. This will become clear in the coming weeks. However, Putin faces a"difficult situation" if this does not happen.

14:05 – Union parliamentary group leader Spahn now sees Kremlin chief Putin as the one to take over

CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn welcomed the recent discussions on a peace solution for Ukraine as a"strong signal" from the West."Now it's Vladimir Putin's turn. The Russian president must finally silence his guns," the CDU politician told the German Press Agency.

Spahn emphasized that the Ukraine meeting in Washington demonstrated that the Western alliance stood together in crucial moments. He praised the role of the Chancellor:"Thanks to Friedrich Merz, Europe is speaking with a united front and a strong voice. Ukraine's sovereignty and necessary security guarantees are at the core of our common stance."

1:07 p.m. – Switzerland offers Putin “immunity”

According to Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, Switzerland would grant the Russian president"immunity" despite an international arrest warrant if he came to the country and participated in a peace conference on Ukraine. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against the Kremlin chief in March 2023 on charges of forced abduction of Ukrainian children.

12:30 p.m. – Macron calls Putin a “predator”

French President Macron calls Kremlin chief Putin a"predator." "Even for his own survival, he (Putin) has to keep eating. Therefore, he is a predator, a monster at our gates," Macron said on the French television channel LCI. Russia has become"a permanently destabilizing power and a potential threat to many of us."

After the Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008, Putin"rarely kept his promises," Macron said."He tried to redraw borders to increase his power." Europeans should therefore not be "naive" in their dealings with the Russian president, Macron demanded.

11:40 a.m. – EPP leader Weber proposes discussion on joint European troops for Ukraine

EPP leader Manfred Weber is calling for a discussion on the deployment of joint European troops as a security guarantee for Ukraine. He told the news channel WELT TV:"For Europe, I say: For us, this is also a moment to grow up. We can't just look to Washington and ask America to solve our problems, to have American soldiers take the blame, but Europe must also grow up now, even to the point of considering sending truly European troops to Ukraine, not just national ones."

10:48 a.m. – Ukrainian Ambassador – “Putin must not play for time”

The Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeyev, warns that Russia is delaying peace talks for military reasons. It remains to be seen whether Putin"engages in talks or plays for time again" after the Ukraine summit, he said on ZDF's"Morgenmagazin" program. Moscow's previous tactic has been to gain time with"lengthy discussions."

Makeyev warned against forcing Ukraine to cede territory. This would, he said,"obviously be a gift to an aggressor and also a blank check for all further aggression."

10:15 a.m. – European “coalition of the willing” failed under Trump, according to Medvedev

In an initial reaction, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had nothing but scorn for the Europeans: The"anti-Russian, warmongering coalition of the willing" had failed to outdo Trump on his turf, he wrote on X."Europe thanked him and ingratiated itself."

He also mocked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky."The question is what tune the clown from Kyiv will play at home regarding guarantees and territories once he's back in his green military uniform," explained the current deputy head of the Russian Security Council. In Moscow's external image, Medvedev often portrays himself as a rabble-rouser, alongside whom Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is supposed to appear moderate and reasonable.

09:54 – Macron proposes Geneva as location for follow-up meetings

The meeting between Putin and Zelensky should take place in Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron told the TV channel LCI:"It will be a neutral country, perhaps Switzerland, I am in favor of Geneva, or another country."

08:01 – Merz does not rule out German troops

France and Great Britain have been discussing European peacekeeping troops for Ukraine to secure a ceasefire for some time. Merz left open whether Germany would participate after the summit. It was"too early to give a definitive answer," the Chancellor emphasized. He would discuss this with the coalition in Berlin. This would also include the question of whether the Bundestag might have to make"resolutions requiring a mandate."

07:30 – Remarkable reaction from Meloni during Merz’s speech

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is once again in the spotlight—this time for her reaction to a speech by Friedrich Merz at the meeting in Washington. A clip shows her with an unusual facial expression as Chancellor Trump emphasizes the Europeans' position on putting pressure on the Russian president.

06:58 a.m. – CDU politician expects deployment of German soldiers to Ukraine

The chairman of the Bundestag's Defense Committee, Thomas Röwekamp (CDU), expects German soldiers to be deployed to the Russian-invaded country if a peace agreement and security guarantees are reached for Ukraine."I don't consider it impossible, but rather likely, that German soldiers will have to serve in Ukraine," he told the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND).

06:34 – Trump admires Merz for his vacation tan

Trump admires Friedrich Merz's vacation tan."You look great with your complexion," the US President told the Chancellor. Where did he get that tan, Trump wanted to know. He would love to have it, too. Merz had interrupted his summer vacation for the trip to Washington and had flown to the USA from Munich.

05:30 – Wadephul demands Putin agree to ceasefire

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is demanding that Kremlin President Vladimir Putin agree to a ceasefire as a prerequisite for the planned two-way meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. After the constructive meeting between US President Donald Trump and Zelensky, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and other European heads of state and government at the White House,"someone has to make a move. And that is President Putin," the CDU politician said during a visit to the US 7th Fleet base in Yokosuka, Japan.

03:28 – Russia attacks Poltava region with missiles and drones

Parallel to Zelensky's talks in the US, the Russian military attacked targets in central and southern Ukraine with drones and missiles. According to the Ukrainian Air Force and military observers, the focus was on the central Ukrainian region of Poltava, particularly the industrial city of Kremenchuk.

Ukrainian drone strikes were also recorded in Russia's Volga region. Citing the governor of the Volgograd region, Andrei Bocharov, Russian media reported fires caused by fallen drone debris on the site of an oil refinery.

01:45 – “We are ready”: Selensky confirms readiness for meeting with Putin

Zelenskyy confirms plans for a meeting with Putin. Russia has proposed that the two presidents meet first individually and eventually together with Trump."We are ready," Zelenskyy told reporters outside the White House. He said this is the only way to resolve these"complicated and painful issues."

"I think we need to meet without any preconditions and consider how this path to ending the war could continue," Zelenskyy continued. A date for the meeting has not yet been set.

01:10 – Merz draws a positive conclusion

Chancellor Friedrich Merz gave a positive assessment of the Ukraine summit at the White House in Washington."My expectations were not only met, but exceeded," the CDU politician said after the talks. He did not want to hide the fact that he hadn't been certain the meeting would turn out this way."It could have gone differently."

These are "fateful days for Ukraine and for Europe," Merz said. The conversation with US President Donald Trump was very open.

00.40 – Merz: Putin and Selensky will meet within two weeks

According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the presidents of Russia and Ukraine, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, want to meet within two weeks. Merz made this announcement following the conclusion of the Ukraine summit in Washington. At the same time, Merz emphasized that Ukraine cannot initially cede any territory to Russia. Putin's current demands would be comparable to the US ceding the territory of the state of Florida.

Only Ukraine can make such a decision on its own. At the same time, however, Merz emphasized that it is important that a ceasefire be reached before negotiations. The Chancellor also welcomed the fact that the United States is fundamentally willing to grant Ukraine security guarantees.

"We very emphatically welcomed President Trump's announcement to provide security guarantees to Ukraine. These security guarantees required a very long and intensive discussion. The bottom line is that the United States of America is prepared to provide security guarantees and to coordinate this with the Europeans. Therefore, in the event of a peace agreement, there will be appropriate security guarantees for Ukraine—that is the status of today's discussion."

00:30 – Merz: “The next steps will be more complicated”

Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke on X following the talks in Washington. The Chancellor wrote:"It was a good meeting with President Trump, President Zelensky, and our European partners today in Washington, but the next steps will be more complicated. We must put pressure on Russia. There must be a ceasefire before further talks."

00:17 – Trump: One-on-one meeting between Putin and Selensky and three-on-one meeting in preparation

US President Donald Trump says he is preparing a meeting between Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Republican wrote on his Truth Social platform after a phone call with Putin:"At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin and began preparing for a meeting between President Putin and President Zelensky at a location to be determined. Following this meeting, there will be a trilateral meeting in which the two presidents and I will participate.

00:05 – Talks continue in the Oval Office – only heads of state and government present

According to Serhiy Nykyforov, spokesman for President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump and the European heads of state and government are continuing their talks in the Oval Office – this time exclusively among the top politicians. CNN reports. According to the report, heads of state and government are still present, which would rule out EU Commission President von der Leyen and NATO President Rutte.

11.30 p.m. - Ukraine wants to buy US weapons for $100 billion, according to a report

According to a media report, Ukraine intends to secure US security guarantees after a peace agreement with Russia by purchasing $100 billion worth of US weapons. The purchase is to be financed by Europe, the Financial Times reports, citing a document obtained by it. According to the proposal, Ukraine and the US also want to conclude a $50 billion agreement for the joint production of drones with Ukrainian companies.

23:35 – Von der Leyen: “Important moment”

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks after the end of the first talks in Washington.

It is an"important moment," says von der Leyen. They have come together in the US capital as allies and friends for peace in Ukraine and Europe. Work will continue on robust security guarantees for Ukraine, she adds.

10:38 PM – Trump: Decision lies with Zelensky and the people of Ukraine

Donald Trump has assured that there will be no solution to the war in Ukraine against the country's will. Trump wants to organize a meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin. He feels the two can reach an agreement. At the same time, Trump said:"Ultimately, it's a decision that only President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people can make—in cooperation with President Putin."

9:24 PM – Macron: Ceasefire is necessary for trilateral meeting

Emmanuel Macron calls for a ceasefire before a summit: "A ceasefire is a necessity for a trilateral meeting," he said at the White House. Security guarantees for Ukraine are also guarantees for Europe's security, he emphasized. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke of a historic meeting where real progress on security guarantees could be made."A trilateral meeting is the next logical step."

9:07 PM – Merz insists on ceasefire

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pushed for a ceasefire so that serious peace negotiations can then begin. A ceasefire must be agreed before further talks can begin, Merz said at the start of the meeting of European leaders with Trump and Zelensky. The US and Europe must"put pressure on Russia," the Chancellor emphasized.

Trump takes the position that a ceasefire is welcome, but not a prerequisite for the start of peace negotiations. At the reception for Zelensky, Trump said,"We can work on a deal while they fight." He thus echoed the Russian position.

8:51 p.m. – US President meets with larger group

After his conversation with Zelensky, Trump sat down with his other guests in front of the camera – including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Trump praised Merz as a"very strong personality" who is "also highly respected in Germany." He emphasized that the Chancellor looked good with his tan: "I would like to have that, too."

With regard to Ukraine, Trump emphasized that he"still believes in this peace." He pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to accept security guarantees for Ukraine."That's one of the key points we need to think about here." He was very optimistic "that we can collectively reach an agreement and deter future aggression against Ukraine."

8:43 p.m. – Trump and Zelenskyy speak behind closed doors

US President Donald Trump and visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have withdrawn for a closed-door meeting.

8:30 p.m. – Moscow rejects NATO troops in Ukraine

Russia has once again categorically rejected the stationing of troops from NATO countries in Ukraine. With such scenarios, Great Britain is further pursuing an escalation of the conflict and bringing NATO members to a dangerous border, from which a major global conflict is not far, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in Moscow.

She responded to statements by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that he was ready to deploy such troops. Ukraine supports this as a security guarantee.

7:53 PM – Trump wants to call Putin after talks

Following his talks with Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies, Donald Trump plans to call Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Republican announced this in the Oval Office.

7:32 PM – Trump praises Zelensky’s suit

Right-wing journalist Brian Glenn again asked Zelensky about his outfit—but this time in a much friendlier tone than in February."President Zelensky, you look great in that suit," Glenn said in the Oval Office."I've said that before," Trump interjected, touching Zelensky on the shoulder.

The Ukrainian, who appeared in a black shirt and suit jacket, pointed at Glenn and replied with a smile:"You're wearing the same suit. I changed my outfit, you didn't." Laughter erupted in the room. During Zelensky's last visit to the Oval Office, Glenn accused the statesman of a lack of respect:"You refuse to wear a suit. (...) Do you even own one?"

7:30 p.m. – Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office

In the US President's office, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy answer journalists' questions. Trump repeatedly emphasized his desire for peace in Ukraine."The war must end. I can't tell you when it will end," Trump said."We need a lasting peace."

19:14 – No military look: Trump welcomes Zelenskyj to the White House

US President Donald Trump received the Ukrainian leader in front of the White House. Zelenskyy did not wear his usual military look, but rather a black shirt and jacket. There had been speculation about what Zelenskyy would choose. During his last visit to the White House, Trump made a derogatory remark about Zelenskyy's casual outfit. Shortly afterward, right-wing journalist Brian Glenn asked the Ukrainian leader why he was not wearing a suit."You refuse to wear a suit. (...) Do you even own one?" Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Zelenskyy has opted for a military look, usually in olive green.

Trump touched the Ukrainian on the shoulder. They both smiled and looked into the cameras together. The US president briefly placed his hand on Zelensky's shoulder again. Trump then gave way to the Ukrainian as he entered the White House.

6:40 p.m. – Merz arrives at the White House

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also entered the White House. Upon his arrival, he, along with the other guests, was greeted by US Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Finnish President Alexander Stubb had arrived earlier.

5:18 PM – Putin picks up the phone

Russian President Vladimir Putin is discussing his recent meeting in Alaska with the head of state of Brazil and the head of government of India. Putin informed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the summit's results, the presidential office in Moscow announced. According to the report, both discussed the prospects for a long-term solution to the Ukraine conflict. Putin also spoke with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva about the meeting.

4:52 PM – Trump attacks critics

Before the start of the summit with European heads of government, US President Donald Trump posted an angry message on his"Truth Social" platform. The Republican claimed he had"settled six wars in six months," without specifying which conflicts he was referring to.

Trump also reiterated his claim that Russia's attack on Ukraine would never have happened had he been president in 2022. He said he knew"exactly" what he was doing. Those responsible for US policy in recent years had been incapable of stopping the war. They were"stupid people without common sense, intelligence, or understanding," Trump continued, partly in capital letters.

4:34 PM – Zelenskyy completes first appointment in Washington

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has completed his first visit to Washington, D.C., during his visit to the United States. Zelenskyy posted a video on X of a meeting with Keith Kellogg, the US special representative for Ukraine. Kellogg was originally also responsible for Russia, but the Kremlin reportedly considered him too pro-Ukraine as a liaison. Middle East envoy and former real estate investor Steve Witkoff is now handling relations with Moscow.

2:11 p.m. – Western politicians hold meeting with Zelenskyj before meeting with Trump

Ahead of the Ukraine talks with US President Donald Trump, top Western politicians will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington. The EU Commission announced this was a"preparatory meeting." Zelenskyy will then meet with Trump for a bilateral discussion, after which the other Western politicians will join him for the consultations.

13:34 – Kyiv: Russia sends armored vehicle with Russian and US flags into battle

According to Kyiv, the Russian army has deployed an armored vehicle bearing Russian and US flags into battle in the contested southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhia. The head of the Ukrainian presidential administration, Andriy Yermak, reportedly showed the vehicle to the Russian state broadcaster RT on the messaging service Telegram.

According to the Kyiv Independent, it is an M113 armored personnel carrier – an American-made vehicle that was apparently delivered to Ukraine but captured by the Russian armed forces.

The friendly summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin has brought some momentum to the countries' difficult bilateral relations. Trump has also repeatedly accused Ukraine of being responsible for the ongoing fighting – Russian soldiers may be using the flag to signal that the US might now increasingly side with the Kremlin in the war.

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