Oil refinery and hospital in Volgograd engulfed in flames following drone assault
The possibility of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is still under discussion, with several challenges remaining. The proposed summit, initially planned to take place at the White House, has been fraught with complications, and the venue for the potential meeting is yet to be decided [1][2].
U.S. President Donald Trump has been actively advocating for a peace deal, following his separate meetings with both leaders. Trump hopes a bilateral summit could occur within the next two weeks, potentially followed by a trilateral meeting including himself [2][3]. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently stated that no meeting between Putin and Zelensky is currently planned, indicating ongoing Russian reluctance [4].
In the meantime, Ukrainian and U.S. officials are coordinating on the conditions and formats for such talks. Zelensky expects a plan backed by Western partners soon, suggesting preparations are underway for a framework of security assurances post-conflict [2][3]. European and American leaders emphasize Ukrainian-European unity on security guarantees, viewing them as essential alongside negotiations [2][3].
The region of Volgograd in Russia has experienced fires at an oil refinery and a hospital due to debris from downed Ukrainian drones [5]. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been vocal in his opposition to Russia's unilateral territorial claims on Ukraine and has called for European involvement in Ukraine talks [6]. Merz also emphasized the need for a ceasefire before any further talks can take place [7].
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed caution about the planned meeting between Putin and Zelensky, and instead, calls for European involvement in Ukraine talks [8]. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has thanked Trump for his efforts to reunite Ukrainian children with their families [9].
As negotiations continue, the focus remains on finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The details of security guarantees for Ukraine could be clarified within a week, according to Finnish President Alexander Stubb [10]. The region's future hangs in the balance as world leaders work towards a diplomatic solution.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5] [6] [Source 6] [7] [Source 7] [8] [Source 8] [9] [Source 9] [10] [Source 10]
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