live blog

According to media reports, US President Trump interrupted talks with the Europeans to speak by phone with Russian President Putin. Trump had previously emphasized that a peace agreement for the war in Ukraine was achievable.

The most important developments at a glance:

19.08.2025 • 00:27

End of live blog

This concludes the live blog for today. Thank you for your interest. You can follow all further developments in our new live blog here:

August 18, 2025 • 11:02 PM

Media reports: Trump interrupts meeting for Putin phone call

According to media reports, US President Trump has suspended talks with the Europeans. He now intends to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin and then meet again with the European heads of state and government, an EU diplomat confirmed to the Reuters news agency. The"Bild" newspaper had previously reported on this.

August 18, 2025 • 10:17 PM

Military expert considers ceasefire essential

Gustav Gressel, political scientist and military expert, considers a ceasefire in Ukraine to be essential – at least"if one were to take the matter seriously," Gressel said in an interview with tagesschau24.

August 18, 2025 • 9:37 PM

In Ukraine, people are viewing the talks in Washington with concern, says ARD correspondent Vassili Golod from Kyiv. People hope that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will succeed in convincing the US president of the urgency of a ceasefire."And they also hope that they will succeed in convincing the US and other partners to provide concrete security guarantees," Golod continues.

18.08.2025 • 21:21

Press appearance ended

The public appearance before the press is over. Trump and his guests are now retiring to the Oval Office for a meeting.

18.08.2025 • 21:21

Trump praises European guests at the White House

The appearance at the White House went smoothly. US President Donald Trump had already praised the visiting European heads of state and government at the beginning of his visit. Trump described British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as his friend. He said of French President Emmanuel Macron, he had liked him"from day one." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was "very strong." He also wanted "a tan like that," Trump said. The American praised the appearance of Finnish President Alexander Stubb, saying he looked better than ever.

18.08.2025 • 21:16

Starmer: We can make progress on security guarantees

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasizes the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine. Like other European representatives, he also explicitly thanks Trump for his commitment.

18.08.2025 • 21:11

Macron: The killing must stop

French President Emmanuel Macron stresses that a prerequisite for an agreement is that the killing in Ukraine stops.

18.08.2025 • 21:10

Trump: Peace agreement is achievable

US President Donald Trump said at the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European heads of state and government that a peace agreement for the war in Ukraine is achievable.

August 18, 2025 • 9:07 PM

Merz: Meeting"very helpful"

Chancellor Friedrich Merz thanked for the invitation and called the meeting at the White House "very helpful." Difficult negotiations now lie ahead. Merz emphasized the importance of a ceasefire in Ukraine.

August 18, 2025 • 9:05 PM

Rutte thanks Trump

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte thanks Trump for his commitment.

August 18, 2025 • 9:02 PM

At the beginning of his appearance with European representatives, Trump said that Russia had agreed to security guarantees.

18.08.2025 • 20:57

Talk with Merz and other European representatives begins

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have begun their talks with Trump and Zelenskyy.

18.08.2025 • 20:50

Political scientist Jäger: Territorial cessions would be very risky

Territorial cessions, such as those possibly discussed between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, would be very risky, said political scientist Thomas Jäger from the University of Cologne on ARD's Brennpunkt. Militarily, this would be an enormous advantage for Russia if it came to fruition, because there are natural resources or logistically important railway lines there – especially if Putin has another war in mind, not peace. Furthermore, such territorial cessions would be difficult to implement, as they would require a two-thirds majority in parliament.

18.08.2025 • 20:40

The ARD Brennpunkt in full length

Here you can watch the ARD Brennpunkt again in full length:

ARD Brussels correspondent: Enormously important for Europeans

Today's talks in Washington are extremely important for the European side when it comes to security guarantees for Ukraine, emphasizes Tina Hassel, ARD correspondent in Brussels. The European side hopes for clarity on Trump's US stance on the issue. While the Europeans have always demanded security guarantees, they themselves have remained rather vague about what they intend to contribute.

August 18, 2025 • 8:30 PM

ARD expert Niemann: Lots of chatter and self-praise

According to former ARD Washington correspondent and security expert Stefan Niemann, it is difficult to assess the direction of the talks between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the European heads of state, which are due to begin shortly.

At the press conference on the bilateral meeting between Trump and Zelensky, Trump made it clear that he was determined to end the war. However, he evaded the issue of security guarantees, despite questions from several reporters. According to Niemann, the impression was created that the peace negotiations were not Trump's top priority. He repeatedly deviated from the original topic, there was much chatter on various topics, he repeatedly called former President Joe Biden corrupt, and Trump praised his own achievements.

Zelenskyy clearly stated that he was willing to negotiate, but that the situation in his country was dramatic and that people were dying every day as a result of Russian attacks.

Stefan Niemann, US expert, on the atmosphere between Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office tagesschau24, August 18, 2025

18.08.2025 • 20:09

ARD correspondent: It was more of a Trump show

According to ARD correspondent Gudrun Engel, Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented himself as very well prepared and acted cautiously during his meeting with Donald Trump."He always seemed grateful, but overall reserved and on guard," Engel said on the Tagesschau.

However, journalists asked Trump many domestic policy questions, so that - similar to the visit of Chancellor Friedrich Merz -"it was more of a Trump show."

August 18, 2025 • 8:00 PM

Trump wants to call Putin after Ukraine talks

US President Donald Trump plans to call Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin after his talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies. The Republican announced this in the Oval Office.

18.08.2025 • 19:58

Trump and Zelenskyy's press appearance ended

The two presidents' talks have ended. Trump is expected to receive European representatives shortly.

August 18, 2025 • 7:57 PM

Zelenskyy open to elections after end of Russian war of aggression

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his openness to elections in his country as soon as the Russian war of aggression is over. Elections cannot be held during a war, Zelenskyy said during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. However, it must be possible to hold a democratic, open, and legal election. Elections in Ukraine are currently suspended under martial law.

18.08.2025 • 19:52

Zelensky appears in a black suit jacket

Unlike his previous visit to the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived for today's meeting with US President Donald Trump wearing a black suit. Zelensky appeared in a black collared shirt and a black lapel jacket, as live TV images showed.

Trump praised the Ukrainian president's outfit, saying he looked great in the black suit. The journalist who had criticized Zelensky for his outfit during his last visit to the White House in February and brought up the issue made a similar statement.

Zelensky's last visit to the White House in February ended in a fiasco. After Trump and his Vice President JD Vance reprimanded him in front of live cameras, he left Washington early. The Ukrainian also faced accusations of a lack of willingness to compromise in the struggle for peace in his country.

18.08.2025 • 19:46

Trump talks a lot about domestic issues

US President Donald Trump repeatedly digressed from the topic of Ukraine during his talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He talked extensively about alleged problems with voting machines in the US, migration policy, the security situation in the US capital Washington, and also about his family.

August 18, 2025 • 7:44 PM

Trump denies need for ceasefire

US President Donald Trump has again denied the need for a ceasefire in Ukraine."We can work on a deal while they fight," he said at a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. Zelenskyy and the other Europeans had made a ceasefire a prerequisite for peace talks with Russia.

18.08.2025 • 19:42

Trump signals confidence

US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in the progress being made toward ending Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. At the start of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, Trump said something might come out of his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy thanked Trump for his efforts.

18.08.2025 • 19:37

Relaxed atmosphere during the conversation

The atmosphere of the livestreamed conversation between Trump and Zelensky seemed relaxed—a complete contrast to the last meeting between the two at the White House in February, which ended in a scandal. Both were joking.

August 18, 2025 • 7:30 PM

Trump: We will end this war

Before his talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump announced to reporters that he intends to end the war in Ukraine."We want this, Russia wants this, we all want to end the war," Trump said. He has already ended six wars, the US president said, without specifying which ones.

18.08.2025 • 19:14

Trump welcomes Zelenskyy to the White House

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived at the White House for his talks with US President Donald Trump. He was greeted with a handshake by Trump at the entrance. The talks are scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m. Starting at approximately 8:15 p.m., the US President will receive the European representatives, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

August 18, 2025 • 7:00 PM

French President Emmanuel Macron is also now in the White House the talks about the Ukraine war arrived.

18.08.2025 • 18:54

Apparently air raid warning in Kyiv

Shortly before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, an air raid siren was sounded in Kyiv today. AFP reporters on the scene reported this. The Ukrainian Air Force announced that air raid sirens had been sounded across the country due to the threat of Russian attacks.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is Ukraine summit at the White House arrived. In Washington, US President Donald Trump is meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European heads of state and government to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine. Merz flew out of Munich that morning.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Finnish President Alexander Stubb have also now arrived at the US President's official residence.

18.08.2025 • 18:47

Starmer for"fair" and "just" peace

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for a "fair" and "just" peace before the start of talks on the Ukraine war in Washington. All parties involved want this war to end, Starmer said in a video on X."But we have to do it right. We have to make sure there is peace, that it is a lasting peace, and that it is fair and just."

August 18, 2025 • 6:45 PM

European representatives arrive at the White House

NATO chief Mark Rutte, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen left the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington and were received at the White House ahead of talks with US President Donald Trump. The European heads of state and government had previously consulted with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about his talks with Trump, which began at 7:15 p.m. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also expected at the White House shortly.

18.08.2025 • 18:22

tagesschau24 will report live on all developments surrounding the Ukraine summit in Washington in a special broadcast starting at 7 p.m.

August 18, 2025 • 5:57 PM

Before meeting at the White House: Meloni cautiously optimistic

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed cautious optimism ahead of the start of talks on the Ukraine war in Washington. The Rome-based leader said:"After three and a half years in which Russia showed no signs of dialogue and demanded Kyiv surrender, there is finally hope for dialogue." Meloni spoke of an important day. However, there are no easy solutions."I think we must explore all possible solutions to ensure peace and security for our nations."

August 18, 2025 • 5:30 PM

EU wants to consult after Ukraine summit

All 27 heads of state and government are scheduled to meet tomorrow in a video conference to debrief the summit on the Ukraine war at the White House. EU Council President António Costa has convened the members of the European Council for 1 p.m., wrote on Platform X. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is also expected to participate.

18.08.2025 • 17:22

Political scientist Masala: Massive pressure on Zelensky

The US wants to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible - no matter the price, says security expert Masala in tagesschau24 Interview. The pressure on Zelenskyy during the talks with Trump is therefore likely to be enormous.

18.08.2025 • 17:13

Zelenskyy emphasizes Trump's strength

After a meeting with US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his country's willingness to work for peace."Russia can only be forced into peace through strength," he wrote on the short message service X."President Trump has that strength."

Shortly before his meeting with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated the need for Western security guarantees for his country."I hope we will have time to discuss the architecture of security guarantees. That is really the most important thing," Zelensky said during a meeting with US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg in Washington.

Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Trump today at approximately 7:15 p.m. (CEST). Several top European officials will also participate in further talks at the White House, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), French President Emmanuel Macron, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Key topics will be security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace settlement and the stance toward Russian territorial claims. According to European politicians, Trump had promised US security guarantees for Ukraine after his meeting with Putin – a move that was warmly welcomed by Merz and von der Leyen, among others.

August 18, 2025 • 4:37 PM

Ukraine reports attack on Russian oil pumping station

According to the military, Ukraine attacked an oil pumping station in Russia's Tambov Oblast with drones. This led to the disruption of supplies via the Druzhba pipeline."As a result of the attack, a fire broke out at the facility. Oil production through the Druzhba main pipeline has been completely halted," according to a statement from the Ukrainian General Staff.

The Druzhba pipeline connects Russian oil fields with refineries in Eastern and Central Europe. Due to the Russian attack on Ukraine, Germany has been refraining from Russian oil since the beginning of 2023.

August 18, 2025 • 4:22 PM

The EU imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia worth around €4.48 billion in the first half of 2025. In the same period last year, the value of gas was around €3.47 billion, according to data from the EU statistics agency Eurostat.

In total, LNG worth approximately €26.9 billion was imported in the first six months of this year. Most of it—approximately €13.7 billion—came from the United States.

Unlike for fossil fuels such as oil and coal, the EU has not yet initiated gas sanctions against Russia due to its dependence. However, the EU Commission wants to gradually ban Russian gas from the market completely. According to Brussels' plans, long-term supply contracts will no longer be permitted starting January 1, 2028. Short-term contracts will be prohibited as early as June 17, 2026.

The German government has sharply criticized the classification of the German Foundation for Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ) as an"undesirable" organization in Russia. The government has"noted the decision with great regret" and condemns the step, a spokesperson for the Federal Foreign Office said. The foundation is doing"very important work." It has a legal mandate "to keep alive the memory of the injustice of National Socialism." Therefore, it is"absolutely regrettable that this foundation can no longer operate in Russia," the ministry spokesperson said.

Russia's Prosecutor General's Office had previously declared the EVZ's activities"undesirable." This effectively banned the foundation in Russia. The reason given was, among other things, that since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EVZ had"adopted a politically biased anti-Russian stance, disseminated calls for support for Ukraine, and organized fundraising campaigns." The Prosecutor General's Office accused the foundation of "radicalizing society and stirring up Russophobia."

August 18, 2025 • 3:49 PM

Zelensky warns against"rewarding" Russia

Ahead of what are expected to be difficult talks with US President Donald Trump at the White House today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned against"rewarding" Russia for the war against his country. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin will continue to"demonstratively" kill people to maintain pressure on Ukraine and Europe and undermine diplomatic efforts, Zelenskyy said on Facebook.

August 18, 2025 • 3:45 PM

High-ranking Russian general seriously injured

The deputy commander of the so-called Leningrad Military District, Lieutenant General Esedulla Abachev, has been seriously wounded, according to both Russian and Ukrainian sources. Abachev has been at the front since the first days of the war, wrote the head of the Russian republic of Dagestan, Sergei Melikov, on Telegram. Abachev, who is from Dagestan, has"held several important command positions." Melikov did not provide details about the injury, stating only that the 57-year-old was being treated in"one of the best military hospitals in the country."

According to the Ukrainian military intelligence service (HUR), the general had to have several limbs amputated. The HUR claimed the injury as a result of a strike against a military column in the western Russian region of Kursk.

Abachev is not the first high-ranking Russian officer to be injured in the war against Ukraine. The deaths of twelve officers with the rank of general have been confirmed so far. The Leningrad Military District was re-established in 2024 by order of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and encompasses all regions of northwestern Russia up to the Ural Mountains. Russia's northern metropolis, St. Petersburg, was called Leningrad during Soviet times, and this name survives in some official names.

18.08.2025 • 14:21

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian air defenses intercepted 23 drones overnight over several Russian regions and the Russian-annexed Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. Ahead of a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in Washington, new victims of Russian attacks were also reported from Ukraine.

August 18, 2025 • 2:10 PM

Western politicians meet Zelensky before Trump

Ahead of Ukraine talks with US President Donald Trump at the White House, top Western politicians will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington. The EU Commission announced this was a"preparatory meeting."

Zelensky will then meet with Trump for a bilateral discussion, after which other Western politicians will join the consultations with Trump, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

August 18, 2025 • 1:35 PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of using the new airstrikes to put pressure on his planned talks with US President Donald Trump in Washington."This was a demonstrative and cynical Russian strike," Zelenskyy wrote on the online platform X.

The Russian leadership knows that the meeting in Washington is intended to discuss an end to the war. Putin will rely on demonstrative killings to maintain pressure on Ukraine and Europe and to humiliate diplomatic efforts.

August 18, 2025 • 12:51 PM

Russia is apparently planning another prisoner exchange with Ukraine. Moscow is prepared to hand over 31 civilians to Ukraine, Russian human rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova said, according to the state news agency RIA. In return, the same number of people would be returned to Russia.

Moskalkova stated that she would meet with her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Lubinets shortly.

August 18, 2025 • 12:07 PM

Deaths also in attack on Zaporizhia

A Russian attack on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhia killed three people and injured 20. Many of the injured were in critical condition, said the region's governor, Ivan Fedorov.

August 18, 2025 • 11:46 AM

Seven dead in attack on Kharkiv

According to local authorities, seven people were killed overnight in a residential area of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv in the most massive Russian drone attack in two weeks. Among the dead were a toddler and a 16-year-old boy, authorities said. Twenty other people were injured, including six children.

The attack took place a few hours before a planned meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and top European politicians with US President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss a peace plan.

August 18, 2025 • 11:17 AM

Injured after attack on Sumy

Russian attacks were also reported in the northern Ukrainian region of Sumy. According to authorities, two people were injured and at least a dozen houses and an educational facility were damaged.

August 18, 2025 • 10:54 AM

Zelensky calls for lasting peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his desire for a just peace after his arrival in Washington."We all equally want this war to end quickly and reliably," he said, according to a report by the AP news agency. However, unlike after the Russian annexation of Crimea and parts of the Donbass region in eastern Ukraine a few years ago, peace must be lasting. At that time, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin merely used the situation as a springboard for a new attack.

Zelenskyy was accompanied on his trip to Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

August 18, 2025 • 10:32 AM

Laschet:"We want a solution"

Before the Ukraine talks in Washington, CDU foreign policy expert Armin Laschet sees a"week of decisions" for Ukraine and Europe."All important European states are involved to signal: We stand by Ukraine, we want a solution and we want security guarantees for the entire European continent after that," Laschet said on Monday in joint morning magazine of ARD and ZDF Since the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, there has been"a new diplomatic dynamic," Laschet continued."It was good that Trump and Putin did not present their concrete results immediately afterward."

August 18, 2025 • 10:30 a.m.

Attacks also reported on Zaporizhia

According to Ukrainian authorities, Russian missiles also hit the city of Zaporizhia. The region's military governor, Ivan Fedorov, said the target was the city's infrastructure. He reported six injuries."Zaporozhia, another Russian ballistic strike against our city," commented the head of the Ukrainian presidential administration, Andriy Yermak, on X."That's precisely why (Russian President Vladimir) Putin doesn't want a ceasefire—he likes to fire on peaceful cities while talking about the supposed desire for an end to the war. So far, we don't see that desire."

August 18, 2025 • 10:27 AM

Number of deaths in Kharkiv rises

According to Ukrainian sources, the death toll in a Russian drone attack on an apartment building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv has risen from three to five. The building was attacked and partially destroyed by four drones overnight, Kharkiv Region Governor Oleh Synehubov announced on the online service Telegram. A one-and-a-half-year-old girl was among the dead, according to the Ukrainian prosecutor's office. At least 18 people were injured. Previously, 17 injuries had been reported.

In a separate rocket attack on Kharkiv, at least eleven people were injured, according to the city's mayor, Ihor Terekhov. Previously, two people were reported injured there.

18.08.2025 • 08:54

Balance of massive attacks during the night

According to Kyiv, Russia launched another massive air attack on Ukraine overnight. The Russian military fired a total of four missiles and 140 drones, the Ukrainian Air Force reported on Telegram. 88 drones were shot down. Strikes were recorded at 25 locations in six Ukrainian regions.

18.08.2025 • 08:39

Kiesewetter dampens expectations of Trump meeting

According to CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter, today's talks in Washington on a peace solution for Ukraine are primarily about"damage limitation." "So now it's about not negotiating about Europe and it's about not rewarding the aggressor. At the moment, Putin is being rewarded," Kiesewetter said in an interview with BR With regard to security guarantees for Ukraine, which were discussed at the meeting of the presidents of the USA and Russia in Alaska, Kiesewetter also calls for German participation.

"The mutual assistance pact also includes securing a possible ceasefire. And that can only be achieved with ground troops. And the German Foreign Minister has already claimed a German leadership role, but at the same time said that Germany will under no circumstances provide ground troops," Kiesewetter said. According to the CDU politician, Germany"cannot lead from Central Europe and refuse to engage itself on the ground." Kiesewetter demands: "We ourselves must rethink our strategic culture. Because if we truly want to lead, then that means helping out."

18.08.2025 • 08:21

US trade advisor criticizes India

US Trade Advisor Peter Navarro has sharply criticized India for purchasing Russian oil. In a guest article for the Financial Times, he argues that the government in New Delhi is using this money to finance the Russian war against Ukraine. If India wants to be treated as a strategic partner of the US, it must act accordingly. Instead, India serves as a global clearing house for Russian oil and is also moving closer to both Russia and China, Navarro argues.

US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods earlier this month, citing continued purchases of Russian oil. A visit by a US delegation to New Delhi for trade talks, planned for the end of August, was canceled, according to an insider cited by the Reuters news agency.

August 18, 2025 • 7:22 AM

Fire reported in Odessa

Following a nighttime Russian drone attack on the southern Ukrainian region of Odessa, a major fire apparently broke out at a fuel and energy infrastructure facility. The Reuters news agency reported this, citing the Ukrainian State Emergency Service. According to preliminary information, no one was injured. The name of the facility was not disclosed.

August 18, 2025 • 7:05 AM

Ukraine: Three dead in Kharkiv

According to local authorities, three people, including a toddler, were killed in a Russian airstrike on a residential area in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv overnight. A two-year-old boy was killed in a drone strike early this morning, regional governor Oleh Synehubov announced on the Telegram short message service. Seventeen other people were injured, Ukrainian authorities further reported. According to Mayor Ihor Terekhov, six children between the ages of six and 17 were among the injured.

Before the drone attack, the residential area was reportedly also hit by a ballistic missile. Russian attacks were also reported from the neighboring northern region of Sumy. Authorities reported that two people were injured. At least a dozen houses and an educational facility were damaged.

18.08.2025 • 06:48

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has demanded strong security guarantees for Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia. Today's meeting between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European partners in Washington will focus on elements of a negotiated solution on the path to a just peace for Ukraine."Firm security guarantees are central to this," Wadephul said at a meeting with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya in Tokyo."Because Ukraine must be able to defend itself effectively even after a ceasefire and peace agreement," he said.

"It is good and important that President Trump has made it his goal to end the deaths in Ukraine," the CDU politician said in a statement to journalists in the Japanese capital."For a just and lasting peace, Moscow must finally move. Until that happens, pressure on Russia must be increased, including through increased aid to Ukraine," Wadephul said. He thanked Japan for supporting Ukraine with twelve billion dollars so far and for enforcing sanctions against Russia.

August 18, 2025 • 5:32 AM

Strack-Zimmermann skeptical about possible US guarantees

FDP defense politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann has expressed skepticism about possible security guarantees from US President Donald Trump for Ukraine."The American president has already announced a lot and hasn't implemented any of it," the chair of the European Parliament's Defense Committee told the Tagesspiegel newspaper."I'm of the opinion that we should wait and see how concrete the whole thing becomes. In a sense, we shouldn't start clucking until the egg is laid."

August 18, 2025 • 5:09 AM

Zelenskyy wants to force Russia to make peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants to work with the US and Europe to force Russia into peace."I hope that our combined strength with America and our European friends will force Russia into genuine peace," he wrote on Telegram. He expressed gratitude to US President Trump for the invitation."We all want to end this war equally quickly and reliably."

August 18, 2025 • 5:00 a.m.

Ukrainian President arrives in Washington

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Washington ahead of his meeting with US President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy announced this on X. He emphasized that the war in Ukraine must end"quickly," and that peace must be "lasting."

August 18, 2025 • 4:45 a.m.

Schedule for meetings at the White House

The White House has announced the schedule for the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and representatives from Europe and NATO. The bilateral meeting with Zelensky will take place at 1:15 p.m. local time (7:15 p.m. CEST). The summit with the European heads of state and government, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. local time (9:00 p.m. CEST).

Even just hours before the scheduled meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, the war in the Russian-attacked country continues unabated. According to Ukrainian sources, several people were injured in a Russian missile attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv overnight into Monday.

According to the news agency RBK-Ukraine, explosions were also heard in Odessa. Citing Mayor Hennady Trukhanov, the news agency reported a Russian drone attack.

August 18, 2025 • 4:25 a.m.

Trump: Zelenskyy can end war"almost immediately"

Ahead of today's meeting at the White House, US President Donald Trump called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to negotiate a settlement in the war with Russia. Zelenskyy could end the war"almost immediately" if he wanted to, Trump wrote on his online platform Truth Social. He cited Ukraine's renunciation of the Crimean peninsula and NATO membership as conditions.

August 18, 2025 • 1:08 AM

According to diplomat, Moscow insists on mutual security guarantees

Russia has linked its agreement to security guarantees for Ukraine to credible assurances regarding its own security. Mikhail Ulyanov, the Russian envoy to international organizations in Vienna, stated this at X. Russia agrees with the demand of many EU states for guarantees for Ukraine, but has the same right to expect effective security guarantees for Moscow as well.

August 18, 2025 • 1:07 AM

Witkoff: Putin has agreed to NATO-like guarantees for Kyiv

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly agreed to the US and Europe offering Ukraine security guarantees similar to NATO's mutual assistance pact. Putin agreed to make such an agreement part of a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine during his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said."We were able to secure a concession: that the United States can provide Article 5-like protections, which is one of the real reasons Ukraine wants to be in NATO," Witkoff said on CNN's "State of the Union."

Witkoff said this was the first time he had heard such an agreement from the Russian side. The agreement regarding robust security guarantees was groundbreaking. Russia would legally commit itself not to invade any further territories of Ukraine.

August 18, 2025 • 1:05 AM

Political scientist Masala: Donbass would be a"good starting point" for the Kremlin

Political scientist Carlo Masala fears devastating consequences for Ukraine if Russia insists on ceding the entire Donbass region in the east of the country during peace talks. The area has well-fortified fortifications, and is also referred to as the"Fortress of Donbas," the expert from the Bundeswehr University of Munich explained in ZDF "If you're granted that, so to speak, then you'll naturally have a very good starting position in the event of another future attack on the 'rest' of Ukraine." This would not only allow the Russians to move closer to the capital Kyiv, but it would also make it more difficult for the Ukrainians to repel attacks.

Since the summit between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, unconfirmed media reports have been mounting that Trump sees the possibility of a quick peace agreement if Ukraine cedes the entire Donbas region to Russia. This includes strategically important areas that Russian forces have so far been unable to bring under their control.

August 18, 2025 • 1:02 AM

Wadephul: German soldiers in Ukraine"would overwhelm us"

How can a potential peace agreement be secured? Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul commented on this in a podcast on the media portal table.media. Germany will have to play an important role in securing a possible peace, he said. Ukraine needs security guarantees. The US has indicated it is willing to provide them. Now we must see how this can be implemented together with the Europeans. However, he opposes German soldiers in Ukraine.

It was agreed to focus on NATO territory. The Bundeswehr has already stationed a brigade in Lithuania. Stationing additional German soldiers in Ukraine"would likely overwhelm us," Wadephul said. With regard to possible peace talks, he was"cautiously optimistic." There is a chance that serious discussions will take place about ending hostilities and then about peace. With this in mind, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is traveling with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to meet with Donald Trump in Washington."He wouldn't do that if he didn't expect there to be a possibility."

18.08.2025 • 00:57

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According to US Secretary of State Rubio, a ceasefire is not off the table after the meeting between Trump and Putin. In addition to Merz and von der Leyen, the heads of state and government of Italy, France, and Finland are also traveling to Washington.

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This topic in the program: tagesschau24 reported on this topic on August 18, 2025 at 9:00 p.m.