Protester Merz opposites forced territorial surrender
The international community is focusing on a four-way meeting involving Ukraine, Russia, the US, and Europe, with discussions centering around security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent future Russian attacks. This comes as European leaders, in cooperation with the US, are actively pursuing an "Article 5-like" security framework, similar to NATO's collective defense pact, as part of a broader peace or long-term ceasefire arrangement.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has emphasized a two-layer security approach. The first layer involves strengthening the Ukrainian armed forces post-peace deal, while the second layer focuses on providing security guarantees from Europe and the US. High-level diplomatic and military meetings, including one involving Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and NATO military chiefs in Brussels, are being held to negotiate the form and scope of these guarantees.
Retired Adm. James Foggo has described efforts towards a "negotiated solution" that would culminate in a joint military plan to assure Ukraine’s security. However, uncertainty remains about Russia’s willingness to agree to these guarantees, with analysis suggesting that Russia is unlikely to pursue peace until under significant military pressure.
Western partners recognize that a strong Ukraine is crucial to deterring future Russian aggression. Yet, doubts persist about the readiness of Western governments to militarily defend Ukraine if attacked again. As of late August 2025, no detailed outcomes or confirmed agreements from a formal four-way meeting have been announced.
The meeting, which also includes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is expected to resume after Trump's call with Putin. French President Emmanuel Macron calls for European representation in future talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US. The Ukraine summit at the White House has been interrupted for a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with further discussions with the Europeans in a possibly different format to follow.
In the meantime, Ukraine is reportedly seeking US security guarantees after a peace deal with Russia, with plans to purchase US weapons worth $100 billion. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz continues to reject Russia's unilateral territorial claims on Ukraine and wants to work with other heads of state to "put pressure on Russia." Merz also stated that there must be a ceasefire before further talks and that any territorial concessions should be made by Ukraine during negotiations, although this topic was not discussed at the summit.
Macron states that discussions about security guarantees concern the security of the entire European continent, while Trump described his meeting with Zelensky and European partners as "very good." Merz compared Russia's demand for the Donbass to the US giving up Florida, stating that a sovereign state cannot simply decide this. The details of Macron's displeasure during the meeting in the Oval Office remain unclear. Trump said he is preparing a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, and he would also participate in this three-way meeting.
The diplomatic dance continues as world leaders strive to find a solution that ensures Ukraine's security and peace in the region. The uncertain role of Russia and the readiness of Western governments to defend Ukraine remain key concerns. As negotiations progress, updates are expected to provide more clarity on the future of this complex situation.
- The international community, particularly European leaders in cooperation with the US, are not only pursuing an "Article 5-like" security framework for Ukraine, but they are also discussing community policy and employment policy to strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces post-peace deal, as part of the broader peace or long-term ceasefire arrangement.
- As the four-way meeting between Ukraine, Russia, the US, and Europe continues, with discussions focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine, there is ongoing consideration of war-and-conflicts, politics, general-news, and the role of each party in ensuring peace in the region.
