Zelensky’s firm stance, encapsulated in the simple yet powerful phrase “Russia must end” this war they started, strikes me as utterly reasonable. It’s a clear-cut declaration of what’s needed to achieve peace. It’s not a complex negotiation tactic; it’s a statement of fact. The war began with Russia’s aggression, and the solution begins with Russia’s withdrawal from Ukrainian territory. Anything less is a betrayal of basic principles of sovereignty and international law.
That’s why it’s concerning to hear whispers of alternative solutions that seem to suggest Ukraine should just “give up” to end the fighting. It’s like suggesting a victim of assault can simply end the attack by consenting to it.… Continue reading
Following a meeting of the “coalition of the willing,” French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia’s peace proposals appear to be offering Ukraine’s surrender rather than a genuine peace. This follows talks between Putin and Trump, where a plan involving Ukraine ceding unoccupied territory was reportedly discussed. Zelensky has rejected any land swaps and insists negotiations should begin at the current front lines, with European leaders agreeing on Kyiv’s assessment. Macron, along with Zelensky, emphasizes the need for a lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the return of prisoners and innocent people.
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The Coalition of the Willing convened to express unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty, condemning any alteration of borders by force. President Zelensky announced that the coalition agreed key issues must be resolved with Ukrainian, U.S., and Russian involvement. Discussions also encompassed potential security guarantees involving land, air, and sea protection, alongside a fair and effective peace agreement. These developments occurred following a meeting in Brussels, setting the stage for Zelensky’s upcoming meeting with U.S. President Trump.
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European leaders, including the UK Prime Minister and the French President, convened with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the White House to counter a US-backed plan that would allow Russia to retain occupied Ukrainian territory. This unprecedented display of unity aimed to push back against Trump’s endorsement of the Kremlin’s proposal, which includes Kyiv ceding land in exchange for a ceasefire. The European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, arguing against a land swap and seeking clarity on US security guarantees. While acknowledging Trump’s efforts, they stressed that peace negotiations must involve Ukraine and that Russia must face further sanctions.
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In response to a request from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, European leaders will meet with former U.S. President Trump in the White House to discuss the ongoing conflict. The meeting, called after Trump’s discussion with Russian President Putin, aims to exchange information and discuss peace efforts following the meeting in Alaska. European leaders, including Chancellor Merz, intend to emphasize Germany’s interest in a quick peace agreement while ensuring Ukraine’s interests and territorial integrity are protected. The meeting serves as a precursor to a potential three-way negotiation including Zelenskyy and Putin, despite Putin’s current reluctance to participate.
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Following the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, President Zelensky stated that Russia’s continued refusal to accept a ceasefire hinders the path to a sustainable peace agreement. Despite Trump’s shift toward a rapid peace deal, the Kremlin has rejected demands for a cessation of hostilities, complicating negotiations. Zelensky is preparing for a White House meeting with Trump and European officials on August 18, aiming to clarify details and determine necessary steps. The next step will be to host trilateral talks among Trump, Zelensky, and Putin, though Putin has not publicly agreed to participate.
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According to The New York Times, Vladimir Putin requested official recognition of the Russian language in Ukraine and protections for Russian Orthodox churches during his talks with former US President Donald Trump in Alaska. Putin has declined to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reportedly viewing him as illegitimate. Trump, abandoning his call for an immediate ceasefire, now believes a peace treaty is possible if Zelenskyy concedes the Donbas region to Russia. Putin proposed a ceasefire across the remainder of Ukraine with a written pledge not to attack Ukraine or any European country, though officials have cautioned about Putin’s past breaches of agreements.
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According to Reuters sources, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected a demand from Russian President Vladimir Putin, communicated through former US President Donald Trump, to cede the remaining Ukrainian-controlled areas of Donetsk Oblast to Russia in exchange for freezing the front lines in other regions. Trump, in turn, informed both Ukrainian and European leaders that Putin wanted to discuss the terms of ending the war immediately. This proposal comes after Trump and Putin’s meeting ended without agreements. European leaders have been invited to participate in the talks between Trump and Zelenskyy.
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On Saturday, Presidents Zelensky and Trump held a 90-minute phone conversation, with an hour spent privately. Trump shared details from his meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and Zelensky expressed Ukraine’s readiness to work towards peace, supporting a trilateral meeting proposal. The call, initiated by Trump, included European leaders and NATO officials. Zelensky plans to discuss ending the war with Trump in Washington on Monday.
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It all boils down to this: “Now it’s up to Zelenskyy.” This, it seems, is the new strategy. After a meeting, that seemed more like a photo-op than a serious attempt at diplomacy, the responsibility for peace has been unceremoniously tossed into the lap of the Ukrainian President. And the audacity of it all! It’s like showing up, making zero progress, and then declaring the other guy’s the problem.
The script, as it appears to have played out, went something like this: a pre-determined meeting with Putin, where the underlying agreements were probably ironed out long before anyone sat down at a table.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker